When severe weather hits, you need to know where to go! Use these basic tips to figure out where to safely shelter:
- Move to the lowest level of the building. Levels that are underground, like a basement, are best.
- If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room on the lowest floor and stay away from windows. Restrooms are typically the best place to be.
- Get under a sturdy piece of furniture and cover yourself with a coat or blanket to help protect yourself from flying debris.
- Do not worry about gathering up your belongings. If you have your kit nearby, grab it and go. If you don’t, don’t search for it. Certainly, you should not try to gather items when a warning is issued. It’s too late. Get to shelter immediately.
- If you are in a mobile home, do not stay inside. Immediately move to a nearby and substantial building.
- If you are outside and don’t have a safe building nearby, AS A LAST RESORT,
- Get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to a sturdy shelter.
- If your vehicle is hit by flying debris, pull over and park.
- Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below window level and cover your head.
- If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the road, leave your car and lie in that area.
- This is a last resort. Neither a car or a low-lying area are safe options. The best option is to get into a sturdy shelter.
Want more serious tips about serious weather? Visit Ready.gov and the American Red Cross. Learn about our other info blogs regarding safety tips on weather topics, such as Flood Safety and Weather Auto Safety.
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