Familiarize yourself with the designated Tornado Safe Areas.
A tornado watch announcement indicates that weather conditions are favorable for tornado development. A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. The local (Danville and Charleston) emergency agencies will sound a steady tone when you should “take cover.”
If indoors:
- If a tornado watch exists, be prepared to go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. If a tornado warning exists, go to the basement, a designated shelter, or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Do not leave the building. Use your arms to protect head and neck.
- Avoid pole buildings or similarly structured buildings.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, or large hallways.
- Stay away from the main corridors/windows. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench, heavy table or desk, and hold on.
If outdoors:
- If possible, get inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a secure building. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.
If in a vehicle:
- Never try to out-drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornados can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.
- Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
- If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Familiarize yourself with the designated Tornado Safe Areas.