Having a tone-alert radio receiver in your home is an important first step in preparing for tornadoes and other severe weather. However, a receiver by itself offers little protection. It is critical to have a severe weather plan in place so that you know what to do when your receiver alerts you that severe weather is imminent. Your plan should include the actions you and your family will take if a watch or warning is issued.

If a watch is issued...

A tornado watch means that conditions are such that a tornado is possible. Watches usually cover large areas, often several counties, for a long period of time, often four to six hours. Listen to radio or television newscasts for the latest weather information, and be prepared to take shelter.

If you live in a manufactured home or a home without a foundation, this is the best time to move to a more substantial shelter. There may be little or no notice before a tornado strikes. Arrangements should be made ahead of time to seek shelter in the basement of a nearby friend or family member. If you live in a manufactured home community, check with the owner or manager to see if arrangements have been made for sheltering during severe weather. Oftentimes, a church, community building, or other nearby public building is identified as a shelter.

If a warning is issued...

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted either on radar or by a trained weather spotter in the area. Warnings usually cover a very limited area for a short period of time. When a warning is issued, you should go immediately to your predetermined shelter if you haven’t already done so and stay there until the danger has passed.

If you live in a home with a basement, this is the safest place to go. If there is no basement, the safest place inside the home is in an inner hallway or other central location without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get low and protect your head with a pillow or other soft item. If you live in a manufactured home, hopefully you will have already reached your predetermined shelter. If not, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends seeking shelter outside in a low-lying area. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

If you are in a vehicle, never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can easily lift up a vehicle and toss it. If you are in the path of a tornado and are not near a building you can take shelter in, lie in a ditch, culvert, or other low-lying area away from the vehicle and cover your head and neck with your arms.

Other considerations...

Part of your severe weather plan should include when and where your family will reunite once the tornado watch or warning has expired.

Because tornadoes are most likely to occur between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., school-age children may be home alone during severe weather while parents are at work. Parents should make sure their children are familiar with the family’s severe weather plan and know where to seek shelter during a tornado.

In preparation for severe weather, as well as all other types of emergencies, you should always have on hand a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable food and safe drinking water, and a first aid kit.

Once you have a severe weather plan in place, it is important to periodically review it with your family and conduct tornado safety drills.

For additional information on tornado preparedness, visit the Illinois Emergency Management Agency website. If you need assistance in preparing your severe weather plan, contact your local emergency management agency.