Hazards
Tornado Safe Room Checklist
Where to shelter, what to keep there, and how to get warnings fast enough to use it.
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Quick answer
Shelter from a tornado in a basement, storm cellar or safe room, or in a small interior room without windows on the lowest floor. Keep helmets, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, a whistle, a weather radio and water there. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable; a tornado warning means one has been sighted or indicated on radar, so take shelter immediately.
Choose your shelter spot
The safest place is a storm shelter or FEMA-standard safe room. If you don't have one, go to a basement, or a small interior room without windows on the lowest floor, such as a closet, bathroom or hallway. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
Mobile and manufactured homes are not safe during tornadoes, even if tied down. Identify a sturdy building you can reach quickly before storms arrive.
Watch vs. warning
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Review your plan and keep alerts on. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Go to your shelter immediately.
Stock your safe spot
- Helmets for each person (bike or sports helmets work)
- Sturdy shoes for each person
- Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
- NOAA weather radio
- Whistle to signal rescuers
- Water and snacks
- Blankets or a mattress to cover yourself
- First aid kit
- Pet carriers or leashes
During the tornado
Crouch low, cover your head and neck with your arms, and cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. Don't try to outrun a tornado in a car in a populated area. If you're caught outside, find the lowest ground and cover your head.
Get warnings in time
Tornado warnings can come with only minutes of notice, often at night. A SAME weather alert radio in your bedroom will wake you; phone alerts alone may not.
Our picks
Products we'd consider for our own kits, chosen for reputation and fit. We don't accept payment for placement. Prices and availability are set by Amazon sellers and change often.
- Best for: Night warningsView on Amazon: Midland WR120B Weather Alert Radio (opens in a new tab)
Midland WR120B Weather Alert Radio
Sounds an alarm for warnings in your county, even while you sleep.
- Best for: Head protectionView on Amazon: Adult Bike Helmet (opens in a new tab)
Adult Bike Helmet
Head injuries cause many tornado deaths. Any well-fitted helmet helps.
- Best for: Hands-free lightView on Amazon: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp (opens in a new tab)
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Keeps your hands free in a dark, crowded shelter.
- Best for: SignalingView on Amazon: Fox 40 Emergency Whistle (opens in a new tab)
Fox 40 Emergency Whistle
A loud, pealess whistle that works even when wet.
Build your personalized kit
Get suggested quantities for your household, pets and local hazards in about two minutes.
Open the Bunker Kit BuilderOfficial sources
- Ready.gov: Tornadoes (opens in a new tab)
- National Weather Service: Tornado Safety (opens in a new tab)
- FEMA: Safe Rooms (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information based on public guidance from the agencies above. It is not medical or professional advice, and The Blackout Bunker is not affiliated with any government agency. Always follow instructions from local officials.
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