Tornadoes are nature's most violent - and erratic - storms. A tornado can travel for miles along the ground, lift and suddenly change direction and strike again. There is little you can do to protect your home or workplace from the strength of tornado winds, but there are actions you can take to better protect yourself and your family.

At Home
The safest place in the home is the interior, preferably under something sturdy like the table. Stay out from under heavy objects like pianos or refrigerators located on the floor above. If you have no basement, or cannot get there, go to an interior room on the lowest floor of the house, like a closet, hallway or bathroom with no windows. For added protection, get under something, like a workbench or heavy table. If possible, cover your body with a blanket or sleeping bag and protect your head with anything available, even your hands.

Long Span Buildings
Long span buildings are especially dangerous because the entire roof structure is usually supported solely by the outside walls. Inside walls are usually false or non-load bearing walls. If you are caught in an open building like a shopping mall, civic center, indoor pool, theater or gymnasium during a tornado, stay away from windows. Get into the restroom, if possible. In larger buildings, the restrooms are usually made from concrete blocks. Besides having the four walls and plumbing holding things together, the metal partitions help support any falling debris. If there is not time to go anywhere, seek shelter right where you are. Try to get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. For instance, in a department store, get up against heavy shelving or counters. In a theater, get under the seats. Remember to protect your head.

Mobile Homes
Do not stay in a mobile home during a tornado. Even homes with a secure tie down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds. Plan ahead. Make arrangements to stay with friends or neighbors who have basements. Go there if a tornado watch is issued. If a tornado warning is given, leave your mobile home and seek shelter nearby. Lie flat in a ditch or ravine and put your arms over your head. Don't take shelter under your home. Encourage your mobile home community to build a tornado shelter if you live in a tornado prone area.

Schools, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Office Buildings
Extra precautions are needed in these structures. Not only is there a large concentration of people in a small area, but these buildings usually have large amounts of glass on the outside walls. Get into the innermost portions on the lowest floor possible. Avoid windows and glass doorways. Do not use elevators; the power may go off and you could become trapped. Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down.

On the Road
The least desirable place to be during a tornado is in a motor vehicle. Cars, buses and trucks are tossed easily by tornado winds. Do not try to outrun a tornado your car. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle and get out. Seek shelter away from the car in a nearby ditch or ravine; do not get under your vehicle. Lie flat and put your arms over your head.

In the Open
If you are caught outside during a tornado and there is no underground shelter immediately available, lie in a gully, ditch or low spot in the ground.