MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tornadoes can develop quickly, meaning you have to react quickly. It's important to be prepared.
What to do before a tornado:
- Make sure you have multiple ways to hear about a weather alert. TV, radio, and phone apps are all great.
- Charge up your phone and any portable chargers you have.
- Have a plan on where to go in case a tornado threatens.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning:
It's important to know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.
- During a watch, think "be prepared." Tornadoes are possible over the next several hours.
- During a warning, think "take action." A tornado has been spotted in your area, and you have to seek shelter.
If there's a tornado:
- If you're in a house, go to the basement if there is one. Otherwise, get to the smallest room in the center of the home like a closet or bathroom.
- Stay away from all windows.
- Cover your head if possible by wearing a helmet or putting a mattress on top of you.
- If you're in an apartment building or high-rise, get to the lowest floor possible or seek shelter in interior stairwells. The next safest place again is away from windows in an interior room like a closet, bathroom or hallway.
What happens if there's a tornado and you're driving?:
- Try and avoid being outside in the first place; otherwise try to pull over seek shelter in a building if nearby.
- If caught in high winds, debris is a concern.
- As a last resort, if a tornado is spotted, seek shelter in a ditch.
