The United States experiences 75% of the world’s tornado activity. In Florida, an average of 60 tornadoes occur annually. While peak activity is concentrated between March and May, as well as June through August, tornadoes remain a year-round threat. Hurricane Milton generated 45 tornadoes in October of 2024. Do you know what to do to survive a tornado?

What are the greatest risks to you during a tornado.

• Flying Debris: Winds reaching up to 300 mph turn ordinary items like wood, glass, and metal into deadly projectiles.
• Blunt Force Trauma: Impacts to the head, neck, and chest from these high-speed objects cause the vast majority of fatalities.
• Structural Collapse: Heavy walls, roofs, and collapsing buildings can crush people before or during the wind peak.
• Being Thrown: People caught in the open or ripped from vehicles can be hurled long distances, leading to fatal impacts with the ground or other objects.

What are Essential Tornado Survival Tips.

• Seek lowest and inner shelter: Go to a basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room like a bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
• Protect your head and neck: Cover yourself with a heavy blanket, mattress, or bicycle helmet. Use your arms to shield your head from falling debris.
• Stay away from windows: Flying glass causes severe injuries during high winds. Never open windows to equalize pressure; it wastes precious time and offers no protection.
• Leave mobile homes immediately:

Manufactured homes offer little safety against violent winds. Go to a permanent nearby building with a basement before the storm arrives. 

• Know what to do if outside: Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Abandon your car for a sturdy building or lie flat in a low ditch or ravine while covering your head. Check official guidance from Ready.gov for more details. 

What should you to after a tornado.

Immediate Safety

• Stay in your shelter until officials or local news confirm the storm has fully passed.
• Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide basic first aid if trained, but do not move seriously hurt people unless they are in immediate danger.
• Watch out for sharp glass, exposed nails, and unstable building structures.
• Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes when walking through debris.

Check Utilities and Property

• Stay far away from downed power lines or broken utility poles. Call local authorities or the power company immediately.
• Turn off the main electrical power and gas valve if you suspect damage to your home to prevent fires.
• Use a flashlight instead of a candle to check your home in the dark to lower the risk of a fire.
• Stay out of any building that has structural damage until officials say it is safe.

Communication and Recovery

• Send text messages or use social media instead of making phone calls to let family know you are safe, as phone lines are often overloaded or down.
• Listen to local news, weather radio, or emergency alerts for ongoing severe weather updates.
• Take clear photos and videos of all property damage before starting any cleanup to help with your insurance claim.
• Watch out for dishonest repair contractors and insurance scammers if your property is damaged.