Severe thunderstorms can escalate quickly into damaging winds, hail, flash flooding, and in some cases tornadoes. Preparation isn’t about panic—it’s about reducing last-minute decisions when minutes matter. Use this step-by-step guide to set up alerts, build a realistic kit, choose safe shelter locations, and practice what to do if a warning is issued.
1) Know the difference: watch vs. warning
- Severe thunderstorm or tornado watch: Conditions are favorable. Treat this as a “get ready” signal—review your plan, top off devices, and monitor updates.
- Severe thunderstorm or tornado warning: Severe weather is occurring or imminent. Act immediately—move to your safe place and follow your plan.
2) Set up reliable alerts (don’t rely on just one)
Storms can knock out power and cell networks, so redundancy is key. Aim for at least two independent alert paths.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Ensure emergency alerts are enabled on all household phones.
- Weather app + local forecast: Use a trusted weather app and follow local meteorologists who issue frequent updates.
- NOAA Weather Radio (recommended): Choose one with battery backup. It can wake you overnight when warnings are issued.
- Community alerts: If your county/city offers text/email notification services, enroll ahead of time.
3) Pick your safe place (and prepare it now)
Your safest spot is typically low, interior, and away from windows. The goal is to increase the number of walls between you and the outside.
- Best choices: Basement, storm shelter, or an interior room on the lowest floor (small closet, bathroom, hallway).
- Avoid: Rooms with large spans like gyms or open living rooms; anywhere near windows or exterior doors; upper floors when a tornado warning is active.
- If you live in a mobile home: Plan a nearby sturdier shelter (community shelter, neighbor’s home, designated building). Mobile homes are especially vulnerable in high winds.
Make the safe place “ready-to-use”
- Clear clutter so everyone can fit quickly.
- Keep shoes, flashlights/headlamps, and a small first-aid kit there.
- Store helmets (bike/sports), pillows, or a sturdy blanket to protect heads and necks from debris.
- Keep a charger/power bank nearby if possible.
4) Build a storm kit that matches real needs
You don’t need a doomsday stockpile—focus on the first 24–72 hours: light, communication, basic medical needs, and safe water/food.
- Light: Flashlights/headlamps (plus extra batteries). Avoid candles due to fire risk.
- Power: Power banks; car charger cables; consider a small battery power station if you lose power often.
- Weather info: Battery NOAA radio (or hand-crank model).
- First aid: Bandages, antiseptic, gauze, pain relief, any essential prescriptions (at least a few days if feasible).
- Water: Bottled water or stored water (enough for drinking and basic hygiene).
- Food: Shelf-stable items you can eat without cooking (protein bars, canned goods, crackers). Include a manual can opener.
- Personal items: Copies of key documents, cash, spare keys, hygiene supplies.
- For kids/pets: Comfort item, diapers if needed; pet leash/carrier, food, and vaccination records.
5) Do the “outside and inside” storm hardening (15–30 minutes can help)
When a watch is issued or storms are expected later that day, quick prevention steps reduce damage.
- Bring in loose items: Patio furniture, bins, grills, toys—anything that can become airborne.
- Park smart: If hail is possible and you have a garage, use it. Otherwise avoid parking under weak trees.
- Close blinds/curtains: Helps reduce flying glass hazards if a window breaks.
- Charge devices: Phones, power banks, rechargeable lanterns.
- Fuel and meds: If storms may cause outages, top off gas and ensure critical medications are on hand.
6) What to do during a tornado warning
When a warning is issued for your area, shift from monitoring to action.
- Go to your safe place immediately. Don’t wait to “see it.” Tornadoes can be rain-wrapped or occur at night.
- Protect your head and neck. Use a helmet, pillow, or thick blanket.
- Stay away from windows. Flying debris is a major cause of injury.
- If possible, keep shoes on. After the storm there may be glass, nails, or splintered wood.
- Monitor updates quietly. Use a weather radio or phone alerts to know when the warning expires or is extended.
If you’re in a car
- Best option: Drive to a nearby sturdy building and shelter inside if time allows.
- Avoid: Parking under overpasses (wind can accelerate there). Don’t try to outrun a tornado unless you have a clear, safe route and visibility.
- Last resort: If you cannot reach shelter, follow local emergency guidance; low-lying areas can flood during storms, so avoid ditches if flash flooding is possible.
7) After the storm: safety first, then documentation
- Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed.
- Watch for hazards: Downed power lines, gas smells, unstable trees, broken glass, and damaged structures.
- Use generators safely: Operate them outdoors and away from doors/windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Take photos of damage for insurance before making temporary repairs (when safe).
- Limit travel until officials say roads are clear; debris and signals outages are common.
8) A simple family drill (10 minutes, twice a year)
Practice reduces panic. Run a quick drill so everyone knows what “go now” means.
- Pick one phrase: “Tornado warning—safe place now.”
- Assign roles: who grabs the kit, who gets the pets, who checks on a neighbor if appropriate.
- Time it: aim to be in the safe place within 60–90 seconds.
Quick printable checklist
- ✅ Two alert methods enabled (phone alerts + weather radio/app)
- ✅ Safe place chosen and cleared
- ✅ Flashlights/headlamps + batteries staged
- ✅ Shoes, helmets/pillows/blankets ready
- ✅ Power banks charged
- ✅ First aid + essential meds stocked
- ✅ Loose outdoor items secured
- ✅ Plan for pets and family communication
Preparedness is a set of small actions done early—alerts, shelter planning, and a compact kit—so that when severe weather hits, you only have to execute the plan.