Tornado/Hurricane Warning Checklist

Once a warning is issued, you must take action. You know that a hurricane will be upon you within 24 hours, or that a tornado (or a well-formed funnel cloud) has been sighted in your area. Remember, as you read the hints that follow, you will have several hours to take your hurricane precautions; but you will have only a few minutes to take your tornado precautions. You may not have time to take some of the precautions listed. Every situation is different, so use your best judgment and work fast.

• Take important documents, foods, drinks, medicines, etc., with you. Bring whatever you might need on the road or at your final destination.
• Avoid cars. For hurricanes, you'll have about 20 hours before the storm strikes. However, winds will pick up five or six hours before the actual arrival of the hurricane. Stay away from cars when the storm hits. Cars are no match for these powerful winds. For tornadoes, get out of your car immediately and seek shelter. Don't try to race it. Tornadoes are fast and very erratic. If you can't find shelter, find a low-lying area, lie flat and cover your head. You're safer out of your car than in it.
• If you have time (hurricane only) move or moor your boat.
• Bring emergency supplies to the safest area of your house. Have flashlights, medications, radios, food, drink, etc., in your secure areas. The safest parts of the house will be interior hallways, central bathrooms or closets, and basements (reinforced concrete). Basements are especially ideal for tornadoes, but if you have a flooding problem, you may not want to go to the basement for a hurricane (which delivers hours of torrential rains). Do not choose a safe place where there is an appliance or other heavy object on the floor directly above you. Heavy winds and rains can weaken walls and floors.
• Keep the TV or radio on. You must keep current on the latest official weather reports.
• Don't drive aimlessly; have a set destination in mind.
• Leave early. Dangerous winds and tides arrive several hours before the hurricane.
• Don't travel farther than necessary. The roads will be jammed, and the farther you try to drive, the greater the chance of getting caught in the storm.
• Take important documents, foods, drinks, medicines, etc., with you. Bring whatever you might need on the road or at your final destination.

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