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Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

1. Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
2. If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing--

1. First aid kit and essential medications.
2. Canned food and can opener.
3. At least three gallons of water per person.
4. Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
5. Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
6. Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
7. Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so.
   (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

When a Storm Approaches...

1. Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
2. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
3. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
4. Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!
5. Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.