(Much of the information on this page is adapted from information provided by the American Red Cross, and FEMA).

IF AT HOME:

• Go at once to the safe place you have identified in your home - ideally a windowless, interior room, a storm cellar, basement or the lowest level of the building.
• Stay away from windows.
• Go to the center of the room - but be sure not to stay underneath any heavy objects (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc) on the floor above! Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it, or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag.
• Use arms to protect head and neck.

IF IN A MANUFACTURED HOME:

• Get out and find shelter elsewhere.
• Take shelter in a building with a strong foundation.
• If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.

IF AT WORK OR SCHOOL:

• Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.
• Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold onto it.
• Use arms to protect head and neck.

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IF OUTDOORS:

• If possible, get inside a building.
• If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
• Get as far away from trees and cars as you can.
• Use arms to protect head and neck.

IF IN A CAR:

• Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck! Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.
• Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
• If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

IF IN A SHOPPING MALL OR LARGE STORE:

• Do not panic. Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms.

IF IN A CHURCH OR THEATER:

• Do not panic. If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms.
• If there is no time to do that, get under seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.

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