While tornadoes are often associated with certain regions, they can strike unexpectedly, making preparedness essential for everyone. While vulnerable areas such as homes with weak structures (mobile homes, areas with a lot of trees and debris) are at higher risk, tornadoes can strike anywhere.

Risk awareness:

• Maintain awareness by monitoring information shared by your local authority.
• Stay informed about weather conditions by monitoring local news and weather forecasts.
• Be cautious during severe thunderstorms.

Planning and education:

• Consider adding the following items to your Emergency Go Kits and/or Home Emergency Supplies: a whistle in case you get trapped beneath debris or heavy-duty gloves and hard-soled shoes for navigating through debris.
• Develop and practice your family emergency plan.
• Make sure you know your local authority's evacuation routes and procedures.
• Have a plan for evacuating pets and livestock.
• In Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issues tornado watches and warnings to alert people about tornado-related weather conditions:
• Tornado Watch: Indicates favorable conditions for tornado development. No immediate action needed but stay informed.
• Tornado Warning: Indicates imminent or occurring severe weather. Seek shelter immediately. Warnings are issued minutes before a tornado hits. Safety is top priority during a warning.

Property Protection Strategies:

• Check with your insurance company for tornado related coverage.
• Install exterior doors with three hinges and a deadbolt lock.
• Secure or move sheds, patio furniture, toys, and grills indoors when not in use.

Warning signs:

• Severe thunderstorms with frequent thunder and lightning.
• An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds.
• A rumbling or whistling sound.
• A funnel cloud at the base of a storm cloud. They are often behind heavy rain or hail.

Review the Natural Disaster Preparation Residential Checklist for more tips on how to protect your home.

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When a tornado approaches, quick and informed action is essential. Whether at home, on a farm, or in larger structures, identifying the safest shelters and location-specific safety measures is critical.

Stay Informed:

• Listen to local radio, television, or other official news sources.
• Pay close attention to updates and warnings from officials.

Be ready to evacuate:

• Be prepared to evacuate or shelter in place at any time. Have your Emergency Go Kits or Home Emergency Supplies on hand.
• Ensure the safety of your pets or livestock.

Health and Safety:

• If you are taking shelter at home, stay away from windows, exterior walls, and doors. This will minimize exposure to potential hazards. Retreat to your basement or a small, interior room on the first floor such as a bathroom, hallway, or closet.
• Ensure the safety of your pets and any livestock by bringing them into a shelter in advance.
• Avoid using elevators during tornado warnings.
• If you are driving, drive to the nearest safe shelter, and leave the vehicle if necessary.
• If proximity is a problem, get out of the vehicle and take cover in a lower area, such as a ditch.
• Stay close to the ground, keep your head covered, and be aware of airborne debris that may endanger your safety.

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After a tornado, exercise caution. The aftermath can present unexpected hazards.

Stay Alert:

• Stay calm and watch for road hazards, such as debris, downed trees, or downed power lines.
• Wait for official authorization before re-entering affected areas.

Property evaluation:

• Work with local authorities and professionals to evaluate the safety of your home.
• Re-enter with caution and be aware of potential hazards, such as structural damage (cracks on walls), exposed wires, or gas leaks.

Future preparation:

• Replace used items in your Emergency Go Kits and Home Emergency Supplies.
• Set annual reminders to review and update your home emergency plan and emergency kits.

Recovery and financial assistance:

• Check with your insurance provider first. Coverage is widely available.
• Evaluate your property damage carefully. Document damage with photographs.
• Review the Financial Assistance section of this website to see if you are eligible.
• Continue to follow the instructions of local authorities.

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