Radford University
Tornado Preparedness
Are you prepared for a Tornado?
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take immediate action and find safe shelter right away.
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They can destroy buildings, flip cars and create deadly flying debris.
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Quick Facts
Tornadoes:
- Can happen anytime
- Bring intense winds
- Can happen anywhere
- Look like funnels
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Readiness Tips
- Get to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest level possible.
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
- Avoid elevators and large freestanding structures like auditoriums.
- When outdoors, if you can safely get to a sturdy building, do so immediately. Do not shelter under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Cover your head with your hands and arms. Watch out for flying debris.
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Wind Speeds
Most tornadoes move at less than 35 miles per hour but tornado winds can exceed over 300 miles per hour.