Knowing where to go when severe weather strikes, no matter where you are, is crucial. When you don’t have to think twice about whether or not the area you are going to is safe, will save you time when you have to take action.
By Hope Kleitsch
When in your home:
- Get to the lowest level
- No basement?
- Get to the most interior part of your home. You want as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
- No basement?
- Stay away from all windows and doors
- Be sure that you have shoes on and use blankets, helmets, mattresses to shield yourself from flying debris
Safe places in your home:
- Basement
- Under the stairs
- Bathrooms that do not have an exterior wall
- Interior closets
- Interior hallways
Places to avoid:
- Anywhere with windows
- Rooms with exterior walls
- Top floors
Public (restaurants, stores, businesses):
- Most public places will have a plan in place, but it is essential that you have an idea of what to do and where to go
- Get to the lowest level
- Seek a backroom or somewhere that has more barriers from the outside
- Get down and cover your head
Typical safe places:
- Coolers
- Stock rooms
- Back offices
Places to avoid:
- Large open areas
- Rooms with windows
- Top floors
- Rooms with exterior walls
School:
- Get to the lowest level
- Seek shelter in windowless hallways
- Get to an interior bathroom
- Get down and cover your head
- This can be with your hands or textbooks
Safe places in schools:
- Bathrooms
- Basements
- Hallways with no windows
Places to avoid:
- STAY AWAY FROM AUDITORIUMS, LARGE LUNCHROOMS, AND GYMS
- Rooms with windows
- Top floors
On the road or outside:
- Stay tuned to a local radio station or NOAA radio for the latest information
Safe places while on the road:
-
- Ideally, you want to find the nearest building
- This can include gas stations, restaurants, stores, rest stops, etc.
- See the public section to see what to do upon your arrival
- This can include gas stations, restaurants, stores, rest stops, etc.
- If there are no public places around, seek a low lying area or ditch
- Try to get as low as possible
- Lie flat and protect your head
- Ideally, you want to find the nearest building
- This is a last resort option!
Places to avoid:
- DO NOT PARK UNDER OVERPASSES OR BRIDGES!!
- Your vehicle
- Standing under a tree