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Emergency Preparedness

Tornado Safety Planning Checklist

A checklist to help you create a tornado safety plan for your home or workplace.

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Estimated time: 30-45 min

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Identifying Shelter Locations

Identify the safest shelter location in your home or building, such as a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor.

A room with no windows is ideal.

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Basement/Storm Cellar 5 min

If you do not have a basement or storm cellar, identify a nearby community shelter or a sturdy building that you can evacuate to.

Know the location and route.

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Community Shelter 5 min

Identify and avoid dangerous areas during a tornado, such as windows, doors, and outside walls.

Stay away from large open spaces like auditoriums or gymnasiums.

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Avoid Dangerous Areas 5 min

Preparing a Disaster Kit

Prepare a disaster kit with essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, and a whistle.

Include items like medications, blankets, and important documents.

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Essential Supplies 10 min

Store the disaster kit in your designated shelter location.

Make sure everyone knows where it is.

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Storing the Kit 5 min

Developing a Communication Plan

Establish a family communication plan, including an out-of-state contact person who can relay information between family members.

Choose someone who lives far enough away to be unaffected by the same storm.

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Family Communication 5 min

Ensure you have a way to receive emergency alerts, such as a NOAA Weather Radio or a smartphone with a weather app.

Know how to activate alerts on your devices.

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Emergency Alerts 5 min

Practicing the Plan

Conduct regular tornado drills with your family or coworkers to practice going to your designated shelter location.

Time how long it takes to reach safety.

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Drills 5 min

Review and update your tornado safety plan at least once a year, or more frequently if your circumstances change.

Make sure everyone is familiar with the updated plan.

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Review and Update 5 min

Task completed!