At home, go immediately to your designated shelter area. The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows. Flying glass can injure or kill. Do not open windows.

In a public building, go to the innermost portion on the lowest floor. Avoid windows, glass doorways and areas not sheltered by overhead floors and rooms. Don't use elevators. The power may go out and you could be trapped. Crouch down, protecting your head.

In a vehicle, don't try to outdrive the tornado. Cars, buses and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds. Get out of the vehicle and seek shelter in a nearby ditch, gully or low spot. Don't get under your vehicle, and avoid trees. Lie flat and put your arms over your head. The same advice holds true if you're caught outside on foot.

Do not stay inside a mobile home. Such dwellings, even if secured, offer little protection from a tornado. Plan to take shelter with family or friends who have basements.

If you're in an open building like a shopping mall, gymnasium, indoor pool or civic center, stay away from the windows. If possible, get into the restroom, which often is made from concrete block and offers more protection. If there's no time to go anywhere, seek protection right where you are. Lean against something that will support or divert falling rubble. Always protect your head.