Tornado Safety in Kentucky

Tornado activity is highest during the spring and summer months, but can happen at any time of the year with little warning. Monitor weather alerts through NOAA Weather Radio or a reliable weather app. Regularly monitor local weather forecasts, especially during tornado season. Check NOAA Weather Radio and local news stations often, and make sure your phone can receive emergency alerts.

Know the Signs

Other than the signature funnel-shaped cloud; dark greenish skies, large hail, and loud roaring sounds are all indicators of a tornado. Take immediate action if you see these signs, even if a warning hasn’t been issued yet. 

Plan Ahead for Safety at Home

Discuss with your family what to do in case of a tornado. Decide on a safe room - a basement or an interior room without windows on the lowest floor. Keep it stocked with emergency supplies, including mattresses, blankets, and sleeping bags to use as protective padding. Practice the plan with your family and hold tornado drills at least once a year to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Put together an emergency kit that includes essentials like food, water, first-aid kits, and signal flares. Having supplies at the ready can make a big difference during and after a tornado.

Surviving a Tornado

The number one rule of tornado safety is to cover your head. The number two rule is to put as many floors and walls between you and the tornado as possible.

Here are five tips for staying safe during a tornado:

1. In a house with a basement. Go to the basement, avoid windows, and take cover under secure furniture or a mattress. Know where the heavy objects are above you and don't go under them.
2. When you don't have a basement. Find a small interior room or hallways on the lower floor, avoiding windows and covering yourself with padding like mattresses.
3. If you're in a vehicle. Pull over, leave your seatbelt on and keep your head below the windows, covering it with whatever you can. If it's safe, you can lay in a ditch or low area, but never under a bridge. Don't try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. 
4. In case you're outside. Lie face down on the ground and cover your head with your arms, keeping as far away from trees and cars as you can. 
5. As a general tip. Find the lowest, most insulated shelter possible. Avoid windows, and always cover your head and neck.

Staying Safe in the Aftermath

After a tornado, remain calm and alert, and listen to the radio or TV for instructions from authorities. Be cautious of hazards like broken glass, downed power lines, and unstable structures. Don’t enter damaged buildings until they have been declared safe. Report any hazards to local authorities and check on your family and neighbors to make sure everyone is safe.