recorded at speeds of up to 70 MPH.  Additionally, it’s interesting to note that although tracking studies show that most tornadoes move from southwest to northeast, a tornado's direction can be very erratic and may change suddenly. Adding to a tornado's deadliness are the wind speeds that range from 40 to 379 MPH.  Using the Fujita Scale, meteorologists classify tornadoes by their wind speeds. Needless to say, when a tornado warning is issued it should be taken very seriously.

Preparation tips

• Develop a tornado safety action plan for your family.
• Become familiar with emergency procedures for schools, offices or where ever you spend most of your time.
• Know that a tornado watch indicates that conditions exist that may spawn tornadoes. Be alert.
• Know that a tornado warning indicates that funnel clouds have been spotted. Take shelter immediately.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of your local storm shelter.
• Determine the best place in your home for your family to gather if a tornado warning is issued.
• Educate your family regarding the type of shelter to look for if they are away from home when a tornado warning is issued.
• Prepare an emergency supplies kit including bottled water, a battery-operated radio and flashlights with extra batteries.
• Teach family members how to shut off water, gas and electricity to the house.
• Make home improvements that will help to reinforce it to better withstand the forces of a tornado (e.g. roof clips, safe room, reinforce walls).
• Prepare an inventory of your personal property and if possible videotape your entire household contents for record purposes. Keep copies in a safety-deposit box or some other safe place away from home.

During a tornado warning 

• First and foremost, stay calm.
• Avoid rooms with windows or patio doors, and do not open windows.
• Move lawn and patio furniture and yard equipment indoors to prevent them from becoming flying projectiles.
• Move your car into the garage or under the carport to minimize damage.
• If you live in a mobile home, even if it is tied down, leave and find more substantial shelter.
• Seek shelter in your basement. If you don't have a basement, take shelter in a bathroom or closet located nearest to the center of your home. It’s helpful to find shelter under something sturdy (e.g. workbench, pool table, staircase).
• If you're caught outdoors when a tornado approaches, find the lowest point possible, lie face down in a ditch, ravine or other low area and cover your head to protect it from flying debris.

• If you are driving when a tornado strikes, stop and get out of your car. Take cover in a substantial building. Do not attempt to out run a tornado. If no building is available, lie face down in a ditch, ravine or other low area upwind of your parked car.
• Keep tuned in to your local weather-alert radio station.

Recovery tips

• Do not go into a damaged home or structure.
• Be alert for potential hazards.
• Watch for broken power lines, shattered glass, splintered wood or other sharp objects.
• Take steps to prevent additional property damage from rain, wind and looting.
• Keep your receipts for materials purchased to protect your property from further loss, these expense may be reimbursable under your homeowners insurance policy.
• If power is off for more than a few hours, food may spoil. Freezers, when left closed, may keep food frozen for several days. However, if foods begin to thaw, do not refreeze them.

Special thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Weather Service for their contributions to this article. 

This section highlights examples of safety precautions that you can consider to help prepare yourself, others and your personal property for a disaster. Please recognize that a particular precaution may not be appropriate or effective in every circumstance. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what's appropriate.