Get Ready for Tornadoes
Before a Tornado
  • Develop a family communications plan and stay alert to changing weather conditions.
  • Make a Ready kit with supplies for three days. Familiarize yourself with terms used to identify a tornado hazard.
  • A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.
  • A tornado warning means a tornado is occurring or expected to develop shortly in your area, and you need to take shelter immediately.
  • In advance, determine where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.
    • Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
    • If underground shelter is unavailable, an interior room or hallway on the ground floor is the best option.
    • If caught in a high-rise building, find a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Contact your local emergency management agency to learn how your community sends warnings.
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, television newscasts, or download the Ready Georgia mobile app for the latest information.

Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider adding coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program is designed to provide flood insurance in exchange for the management of flood-prone areas by local communities.

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When a Tornado WATCH is Issued
  • Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for the latest weather forecast or download the Ready Georgia app.
  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or a sound similar to a freight train are signs of an approaching tornado.
  • If in a mobile home, consider moving to a sturdy building (shelter). Act quickly if a tornado warning is issued.

Evacuate under the following conditions:

  • Local authorities direct you to do so.
  • You live in a mobile home, temporary structure or high-rise building.
  • You live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river or on an island waterway.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

  • Stay indoors during the hurricane, away from windows or glass doors.
  • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
  • Take refuge in an interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level. If flooding occurs, be prepared to take shelter on a higher floor.
When a Tornado WARNING is Issued
  • If inside, put on sturdy shoes. Find a safe place to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. If outside, hurry to a safe place in a nearby sturdy building.
  • If in a car and you see large flying objects, pull over and park. You now have two choices:
    • Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering it with your hands and a blanket, if possible.
    • If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, in a deep ditch for instance, exit your car and lie in that area while covering your head with your hands.
  • If in an upper floor apartment , get to the lowest level of the building.
After a Tornado
  • Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
  • Avoid damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines. Report downed lines to your local power company.
  • If you are trained, help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.