During a tornado, what is the recommended action?

During a tornado, what is the recommended action?

• A. Sit on the floor and cover head with arms.
• B. Remain there in your current location.
• C. Move to the lowest level of the building or interior room.
• D. Go outside to observe the weather.

Answer: (C)

In a tornado, your priority is to get to a sturdy interior space where you’re least exposed to high winds and flying debris. Moving to the lowest level of the building and into an interior room provides the best protection because the ground level and interior walls shield you from the strongest wind forces and from debris that can crash through exterior walls and windows. If possible, go to a basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room such as a bathroom or closet away from windows, and protect your head with your arms or a hard object like a helmet or thick blanket. Staying where you are or going outside to observe the weather would leave you more exposed to dangerous debris and wind. While shielding your head is useful, it’s not as safe as quickly reaching a designated interior shelter on the lowest floor.

In a tornado, your priority is to get to a sturdy interior space where you’re least exposed to high winds and flying debris. Moving to the lowest level of the building and into an interior room provides the best protection because the ground level and interior walls shield you from the strongest wind forces and from debris that can crash through exterior walls and windows. If possible, go to a basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room such as a bathroom or closet away from windows, and protect your head with your arms or a hard object like a helmet or thick blanket.

Staying where you are or going outside to observe the weather would leave you more exposed to dangerous debris and wind. While shielding your head is useful, it’s not as safe as quickly reaching a designated interior shelter on the lowest floor.