Where to Go When a Tornado Strikes and You’re Not at Home

Since 1950, there have been more than 1,500 verified tornadoes in the state of Indiana. In 2023 alone, there were 54. Do you know where to go if a tornado strikes?

Tornado Strikes While You’re Not Home: What’s Your Plan?

Your first reaction to my question was likely "the basement." Which, if you have one and you're at home, you'd be correct, but do you know where to go if you're at work or school? What about if you're outside or driving in your car?

My Tornado Experience Proved How Fast Conditions Can Change

I had an experience last year where I was driving after work, and I could see the storm clouds moving in. Before I could reach my destination,n the wind began to whip enough that it was shaking my car at the stoplights.

"I Had to Get to Shelter"

Just as I pulled into the parking lot where I was going, the tornado warning went off on my phone. I was sitting in a parking lot with minimal visibility due to the wind and rain, and the door to the building was 60 feet away. I grabbed my purse and phone and bolted for the door. I had to get to the shelter. I learned later that there had been a tornado on the ground less than a half mile away from where I was dashing from the car to the business.

READ MORE: Know The Differences Between Watches and Warnings

Where to Go If You're at Work or School During a Tornado

When you are at work or at school, you should follow your designated safety protocols. Most businesses have a designated storm shelter location as well. Oftentimes, it's the restrooms as those are an interior location with no windows.

What to Do If You’re Outside When a Tornado Hits

If you work outdoors or you happen to be outside when a tornado strikes, you should seek shelter in a sturdy, well-built structure. Outbuildings like sheds and storage facilities do not make a safe shelter in a tornado. Neither do tents or mobile homes.

Tornado Safety Tips If You’re Driving During Severe Weather

Being in your car is incredibly dangerous during a tornado. If you're in a car like I was, your best bet is to drive to a shelter location. If you cannot make it to a physical shelter, you have two options.

Experts Say to "Get Down" or "Abandon Your Vehicle"

The first option, according to weather.gov, is to "get down in your car and cover your head." Adding to that, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security says you should "keep your seatbelt on, lower your head below the window and cover your head and neck with your arms and a blanket." The second option, according to weather.gov, is to abandon your vehicle and seek out a low-lying area like a ditch, creek, or ravine.

Never Take Shelter Under a Bridge During a Tornado

Additional advice from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security says to avoid taking shelter under bridges, as this can be incredibly dangerous due tothe  risk of structural collapse.

Be Prepared With a Severe Weather Plan for Any Location

One of the best things you can do in a tornado is to be prepared. Keep reading to find out how you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets with a severe weather plan.

[SOURCE: Weather.gov; Indiana Dept of Homeland Security]