Mitigation is a comprehensive strategy focused on reducing the potential for loss of life and property damage from tornadoes. This layered approach requires deliberate actions taken before, during, and after a storm. Preparedness and hardening structures against extreme wind forces offer the best defense. The scope of mitigation encompasses physical modifications to buildings, creating detailed human safety plans, and knowing the immediate steps to take when a warning is issued.
Structural Mitigation and Property Hardening
Physical hardening provides the highest level of protection against the intense forces of a tornado. The most robust defense is a dedicated safe room, specifically engineered to meet criteria set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These reinforced shelters are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 250 miles per hour and resist impacts from debris. A FEMA-compliant safe room, whether new or a retrofit, must be securely anchored to the foundation to prevent uplift or sliding during the storm.
For manufactured or mobile homes, structural mitigation focuses on increasing stability, as these structures are particularly vulnerable to high winds. Proper anchoring systems, including ground anchors and tie-downs, secure the home’s frame to the earth, significantly improving wind resistance. Anchoring enhances a home’s ability to withstand the wind forces of most tornadoes, approximately 96% of which are rated EF-2 or lower.
Securing loose outdoor items is another important form of property hardening. Strong winds can turn ordinary objects like patio furniture, trampolines, and sheds into dangerous, high-velocity projectiles. Before a storm arrives, large items should be brought indoors, tied down, or stored securely. This action reduces property damage and minimizes the risk of injury from flying debris.
Developing Comprehensive Emergency Plans
Effective preparedness relies on a detailed, rehearsed emergency plan that extends beyond physical structures. A family communication plan must be established, outlining how members will contact each other if separated. This plan should identify a designated out-of-area contact who can relay messages, which is important because local communication lines may be damaged or overwhelmed. The plan should also designate an easily accessible meeting point for family members after the storm has passed.
An emergency kit, often called a “Go-Kit,” stocks essential supplies for self-sufficiency. This kit should contain enough water and non-perishable food to last for a minimum of three days. The kit must also include first-aid supplies, any necessary prescription medications, copies of important documents like insurance policies and identification, and a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio. This specialized radio is a reliable tool for receiving alerts and updated information directly from the National Weather Service, even during power outages.
Regular practice ensures individuals can act quickly during a high-stress event. Drills should cover the route to the designated safe area and the procedure for quickly gathering the emergency kit. Individuals should actively monitor local warning systems, which include community sirens, emergency alerts on mobile devices, and official social media accounts. Knowing the difference between a Tornado Watch (conditions are favorable) and a Tornado Warning (a tornado is imminent or observed) dictates the urgency of the response.
Immediate Shelter and Safety Procedures
Once a Tornado Warning is issued, immediate and decisive action is required to seek the best available shelter. The safest location in a home is a basement or a storm cellar, as these provide protection below ground level. If an underground shelter is unavailable, the next best option is a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or hallway. Placing as many walls as possible between the shelter area and the outside helps to shield occupants from the direct force of the wind and flying debris.
Occupants should crouch low to the floor, facing down, and use their arms to cover their head and neck. Using a mattress, heavy blankets, or a sleeping bag to cover the body offers an additional layer of defense against falling or flying debris. Stay away from windows, which can shatter, and avoid taking shelter directly beneath heavy objects on the floor above, such as refrigerators, as these could fall through a weakened floor.
For those caught in a vehicle or outdoors, the safety procedure changes significantly. Attempting to outrun a tornado in a car is extremely dangerous and rarely successful. The recommended action is to leave the vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a sturdy building if one is nearby. If no structure is accessible, individuals should lie flat in a low-lying area, such as a ditch or culvert, well away from trees or cars that could become debris, and cover their head with their hands. Avoid seeking shelter under highway overpasses, as these structures can funnel and intensify wind speeds.
Post-Tornado Safety and Hazard Avoidance
After the immediate threat has passed, the mitigation effort shifts to hazard avoidance and preventing secondary injuries. Before emerging from the shelter, continue to monitor NOAA weather radio or official channels for an all-clear signal, as subsequent storm cells may follow. The first priority is to check for injured persons and administer basic first aid. Avoid moving seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger.
A major post-storm hazard is the presence of downed utility lines, which may still be energized, posing a severe electrocution risk. Stay clear of fallen power lines and any puddles or debris in contact with them. If property damage is suspected, turning off the main utility switches for gas and electricity can prevent fire, explosion, or electrical hazards. If the smell of natural gas is detected, evacuate the area and contact the utility company from a safe distance.
Navigating debris fields requires careful attention to avoid puncture wounds and other trauma. Wearing protective gear, specifically sturdy shoes or boots, long pants, and work gloves, is necessary when walking through damaged areas. Damaged buildings should not be re-entered until they have been inspected by authorities, as they may be structurally unsound and at risk of collapse. Documenting damage with photographs or video is a necessary step to support insurance claims and begin the recovery process.