Stay alert when a tornado warning is issued. To recognize a tornado's approach, watch for signs like a dark or greenish sky, a rotating wall cloud, a loud roar resembling a freight train, large hail, or a sudden calm after a storm. Remember that hurricanes can bring tornadoes.
During a tornado, immediately seek shelter in the safest available location, such as a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Get under a heavy table or workbench for added protection from falling debris. Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and use pillows or a helmet to protect your head and neck. Stay away from windows.
If you're caught outside with no sturdy shelter, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your arms; avoid taking shelter near trees. Do not seek shelter in a vehicle, because it can be easily lifted or tossed by tornado winds, offering little protection from the powerful forces and flying debris. Tornadoes can move quickly and unpredictably, making it dangerous to try to drive away or outrun the impacts.