Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with during tornado, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tornado is hitting or passing your location now.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Get low. Cover head. Stay down until it passes.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Extreme roaring, pressure change in ears, and violent shaking.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Objects striking walls and windows shattering.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tornado wind exceeds 200 km/h and turns debris into missiles.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Most deaths occur from head trauma and building collapse.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Drop to floor in center of interior room or closet.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pull mattress or heavy blankets over you.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep head down and mouth covered against dust.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Hold position until wind and impact sounds fully stop.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shelter in place in sturdiest available interior space.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 when safe if building collapsed or someone injured.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tap on pipes or walls if trapped under debris.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Assume injuries after major structural damage — seek medical evaluation.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT stand near windows or exterior doors.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle if shelter is nearby.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Opening windows prevents houses exploding in tornadoes
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Opening windows wastes time and lets debris in. Shelter immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Delayed sheltering and increased injury from flying glass.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Aftershock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — The ground shakes again after the main earthquake.
Avalanche warning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Avalanche danger is high on slopes where you are traveling or living.
Buried in avalanche
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone nearby is buried in avalanche snow.
Compound disaster
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Multiple disasters overlap — e.g. earthquake and tsunami, cyclone and flood.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Gas leaks and downed wires are common after tornadoes.