For Your Information...

With being LDS, I know that we are supposed to be emergency-preparedness-minded and I had a thought this weekend. I was driving out to Canton by myself during a rainstorm. I heard on the radio that there was a region-wide tornado warning (a common thing here) and that a couple of funnels had recently touched down. If I was all of a sudden in a tornado and was driving, what in the world would I do? First, I would have freaked out! Second, I didn't know.

I realized that I had NO IDEA what I was supposed to do in a tornado while driving. So I goggled it. For the safety of all of you, I am posting what you are supposed to do. No more climbing into a highway overpass...now you're supposed abandon your car and climb into a ditch! Hopefully it will never come to this.

If you are in:	Then:
A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)	Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home	Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
The outside with no shelter	Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.