Prepare Today. Respond With Confidence.

Practical checklists grounded in official safety guidance. Plan for the people, pets and needs in your household.

What to Do During a Tornado Warning

Go immediately to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows.

Move to higher ground when officials advise, and leave promptly if told to evacuate.

Know your evacuation zone, multiple routes, and a meeting place. Sign up for local emergency alerts.

Start with drinking water, nonperishable food and a manual can opener. Account for every household member and pet.

Ready.gov recommends at least one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.

Use flashlights and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Unplug sensitive equipment if safe.

When shaking starts, drop, cover and hold on. Protect your head and neck under a sturdy table if one is nearby.

Learn your evacuation zone and plan how to leave, including transportation and pet arrangements.

Follow observatory and emergency-management instructions. Leave exclusion zones when directed.

Spend time in air-conditioned places and identify nearby cooling centers before temperatures rise.