Tornado checklist

A short list to help you get ready for tornadoes. It's based on Ready.gov, National Weather Service and American Red Cross guidance, not advice about any one home.

Before tornado season
[ ] Learn the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
    Learn more: Watches and warnings https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-ww
[ ] Have more than one way to get warnings, like phone alerts and a NOAA Weather Radio.
    Learn more: About NOAA Weather Radio https://www.weather.gov/nwr/
[ ] Pick your shelter spot: a safe room or storm shelter, a basement, or a small room with no windows on the lowest floor. If you live in a mobile home, pick a sturdy building nearby.
    Learn more: Where to take shelter https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes
    Learn more: LA: Where to take shelter https://gohsep.la.gov/get-a-game-plan/disasters-and-emergencies/tornadoes/
    Learn more: FL: Where to take shelter https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hazards/tornadoes/
[ ] Practice going there with everyone in your home.
    Learn more: Make a tornado plan https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-prepare

When a tornado watch is issued
[ ] Follow updates from your local National Weather Service office and local officials.
[ ] Charge your phone and keep it with you.
[ ] Review your plan. Be ready to go to your shelter spot.

When a tornado warning is issued
[ ] Go to your shelter spot right away.
    Learn more: What to do during a tornado https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-during
[ ] Cover your head and neck with your arms. Put blankets or other padding around or on top of you if you can.
[ ] If you're in a mobile home, go to a sturdy building nearby if you have time.
    Learn more: What to do during a tornado https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-during
[ ] In a car, try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If you can't, stay in the car with your seat belt on, keep your head below the windows and cover it.
    Learn more: What to do during a tornado https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-during

After the tornado
[ ] Keep listening to local officials. More storms may follow.
[ ] Stay away from downed power lines and damaged buildings.
    Learn more: What to do after a tornado https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-after
[ ] During cleanup, wear thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves.
    Learn more: Tornado safety tips https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/tornado.html
[ ] Take photos of any damage before you clean up, for your own records.
[ ] Contact your insurance company or agent to report damage.
[ ] Watch for fraud. Don't pay for repairs in full before the work is done. FEMA doesn't charge a fee to apply for disaster help. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    Learn more: Report a scam https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Sources: Ready.gov "Tornadoes"; NOAA National Weather Service tornado safety (weather.gov/safety/tornado); American Red Cross; Louisiana GOHSEP; Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Information from US federal and state government agencies and from nonprofit organizations. KAVO360 is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by any of them. Last reviewed 2026-10-21.

General information only. KAVO360 isn't an emergency alert service and doesn't issue watches or warnings. The National Weather Service and your local officials are the official sources. Always follow local officials and evacuation orders.