How to Prepare for a Tornado (with Printable Checklist)

Tornadoes are one of nature’s most powerful and destructive forces. With wind speeds that can exceed 300 miles per hour, these storms can flatten homes, uproot trees, and turn everyday objects into deadly projectiles in seconds. While tornadoes can strike with little warning, proper preparation can help protect you and your family.

In this article, we’ll explain how to prepare for a tornado:

• How to recognize tornado warnings
• Creating a tornado emergency plan
• Stocking up on essential supplies to increase your chances of staying safe

The United States has more tornadoes each year than any other country, averaging over 1000 per year. The United Kingdom has the highest number of tornadoes per unit of land area. Peak tornado season in the U.S. is March through June, though tornados can happen any time of year.

Recognizing the Signs of a Tornado

Tornadoes can form quickly, so recognizing the warning signs is critical for taking swift action. Keep an eye out for these indicators:

• Dark, greenish skies – A greenish tint in the sky often signals severe weather.
• Wall clouds – Large, low-lying clouds that rotate could be the early formation of a tornado.
• Loud, continuous roar – Tornadoes often sound like a freight train.
• Hail or sudden calm – Heavy rain and hail, followed by an eerie calm, can precede a tornado.
• Flying debris – Debris swirling in the air can confirm a tornado is nearby.

I remember when the boys were little and a tornado passed around five miles from our place. Even at that distance, I could hear the low roar and the sky was creepy green. We took shelter in the root cellar until it moved out of the area.

Monitor Weather Alerts

The difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning comes down to the level of threat:

• Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Be prepared to take action if a warning is issued.
• Tornado Warning – A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take cover immediately in a safe location.

Stay informed with weather alerts through:

• NOAA Weather Radio – Battery powered radios provide up-to-date tornado watches and warnings.
• Smartphone Alerts – Enable emergency alerts on your phone.
• Local News and Weather Apps – Keep track of changing weather conditions.
• Siren warnings – some areas have a siren based warning system that sounds in case of emergencies.

Create a Tornado Emergency Plan

An emergency plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do when a tornado strikes. Here’s how to develop a plan:

1. Choose a Safe Shelter Location

Identify the safest place in your home to shelter from a tornado:

• Safe Room, Basement or Storm Cellar – If available, this is the safest option.
• Interior room on the lowest floor – If you don’t have a basement, use a small, windowless room like a bathroom or closet.
• Under heavy furniture – If possible, shelter under a sturdy table or workbench to protect yourself from falling debris.

Learn more about creating a safe room in your home. You may be able to qualify for grants to assist with the cost in high risk areas.

We built an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) house. It was a little more expensive, but we feel that it was well worth the investment. ICF homes have excellent resistance to damage from tornadoes, hurricanes, high winds and other impacts.

2. Establish a Family Communication Plan

Ensure all family members know how to reach each other in case you are separated.

• Designate an out-of-town contact person everyone can check in with.
• Agree on a meeting place if you are separated.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers in a waterproof, easily accessible place.

3. Practice Tornado Drills

Conduct tornado drills regularly so everyone knows exactly what to do when a warning is issued.

• Practice getting to the shelter area quickly.
• Teach children how to cover their heads and necks with their arms.

Emergency Supplies to Prepare for a Tornado

Having essential supplies on hand can make a big difference during and after a tornado. Create an emergency kit that includes:

Basic Supplies

✔️ Water – One to two gallons per person per day for at least three days
✔️ Non-perishable food – Enough for at least three days
✔️ Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio
✔️ Flashlights or emergency lights and extra batteries
✔️ First aid kit
✔️ Whistle – To signal for help if trapped
✔️ Dust masks – To help filter contaminated air

Make sure to seal your emergency food in water-proof packaging, such as five gallon buckets. Foods that do not require cooking are the easiest to use, followed by “heat and eat” foods. If you’re relying heavily on dehydrated and freeze dried foods, you’ll want extra water storage.

Small camp stoves can be used to heat food and provide some warmth to the shelter. Don’t forget to check out the post “Emergency Cooking – 10 Ways to Have a Hot Meal When the Power Goes Out“.

See Emergency Water Storage and Filtration for water storage details. If you have animals, they also need safe water. 3 Emergency Water Filtration Options  features methods for bulk cleaning water for stock use, such as cloth filtration. (Some fabrics work much better than others, some don’t work well at all.)

Personal Items

✔️ Prescription medications and medical supplies, spare glasses
✔️ Important documents – Stored in a waterproof container
✔️ Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
✔️ Sleeping bags or wool blankets for comfort
✔️ Personal hygiene items
✔️ Cash – In small bills, purse/wallet, credit card
✔️ Pet supplies – Food, water, and medications for pets

Pack at least two full sets of warm, dry, durable clothes for everyone, plus extra underwear and socks. Include appropriate outerwear and footwear for rough conditions.

In extended emergencies, you need to deal with waste. Camping toilets are compact and easy to store. The article DIY Portable Toilet explains how to make a basic bucket toilet.

Don’t forget the toilet paper! My father-in-law shared a story he heard from an elderly neighbor. He said that when American troops first invaded Europe in WWII, they brought extra ammo. Later, they packed extra toilet paper.

My friend, Amber, noted that when a flood hit their area, some businesses only took credit cards because they could not arrange cash pickup.

Tools and Safety Gear

✔️ Multi-tool or wrench – To turn off utilities if needed
✔️ Duct tape, heavy duty tarp, 50′ length of sturdy nylon cord – For temporary repairs
✔️ Fire extinguisher
✔️ Work gloves

Protecting Your Home

While you can’t tornado-proof a house, you can take steps to minimize damage:

• Secure loose outdoor items – Patio furniture, trash cans, and garden tools can become projectiles.
• Install storm shutters – Reinforce windows and glass doors.
• Reinforce garage doors – High winds can easily rip garage doors off their tracks.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches – Prevent them from breaking and damaging your home.

What to Do During a Tornado

When a tornado warning is issued, take immediate action:

• Get to your safe place – Move to the designated shelter area quickly.
• Protect your head and neck – Use your arms, a helmet, or a heavy blanket.
• Stay low – Crouch down and face the floor.
• Avoid windows and doors – Flying glass and debris are major hazards.
• Do not stay in a car – If you’re driving, abandon the vehicle and find a low-lying area or a sturdy building.
• Do not seek shelter under an overpass – Wind speeds can intensify in these areas.

After the Tornado

Once the storm passes, follow these steps to stay safe:

• Check for injuries – Provide first aid if needed.
• Check for gas leaks or structural damage – If you smell gas, leave the area and contact emergency services.
• Avoid downed power lines – Stay at least 30 feet away from any damaged lines.
• Contact family and emergency services – Let others know you are safe.
• Take photos of damage – For insurance claims, document all structural and property damage.
• Be cautious when cleaning up – Wear gloves and boots to protect against broken glass and debris.

See “Emergency Power Options for Your Home” for power options when the grid is down.

Get Your Tornado Preparedness Checklist in printable PDF format here.

Final Thoughts

Tornadoes are unpredictable, but preparation can save lives. Knowing the warning signs, having a plan, and gathering essential supplies will help you respond quickly and effectively when a tornado strikes. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly—stay safe.

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Originally published in 2011, last updated in 2025.