How can I take shelter from a tornado?
GET AS LOW TO THE GROUND AS POSSIBLE AND PUT AS MUCH "STUFF" BETWEEN YOU AND THE OUTSIDE AS POSSIBLE!
At work or in the home:
Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris
Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. Rooms like bathrooms may provide more protection because of plumbing in the walls. Try to get under something sturdy such as a large piece of furniture to protect your head from falling debris.
Put on a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect your head from injuries. Head injuries are a major cause of death in tornados.
A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. GET OUT. Plan ahead to give yourself time to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
As an absolute last resort, if you are caught outside and no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Remember that you are trying to protect yourself from the high winds at the surface, so lower is usually better.
Do not take shelter under a highway overpass or bridge. These can act as "wind tunnels." You are safer in a low, flat location.
Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed. Take water, snacks, an AM/FM radio, and your cell phone with you.