1) What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

The weatherman or weatherwoman will tell you where the tornado is on the map. It is important to know where you live on a map so you can listen for alerts where you live.

Do you know what county you live in? What street and city to you live in? Ask your adult to help you find your home on a map.

Ask your grown-ups if they have the weather alerts on their phones turned on. Weathermen and weatherwoman will issue alerts for tornadoes, but your grown-ups need to get the alerts to keep you safe.

Tornado Sirens are another way to alert you if you are outside. If you hear the tornado siren find your grown-up.

When there is a big storm, we need to find the safest place in our house. If your house has a basement, go down there! It is the very best spot because it is under the ground.

If you don’t have a basement, find a room in the middle of the home on the bottom floor. A closet, a hallway, or a bathroom is perfect. Make sure there are no windows in your hiding spot.

Your home may not have a safe place. That is ok! Ask your grown-ups where would we go if a tornado happens? Some cities and towns will have safe shelters you can go to during the storm.

If you are in a car during a tornado warning your grown-ups will also need to look for a safe building. Remember to find a room in the middle of the building away from the outside and windows.

Clothes & Shoes: Make sure you have warm clothes and a rain coat. Protect your feet in case you need to walk outside after the storm.

Helmet: A baseball, football or even a bike helmet will help keep your head safe.

Flashlights & Batteries: Sometimes the lights go out during the storm. Don’t be scared. Use the flashlights to help you see if it gets dark.

A Weather Radio: A special radio that tells you when the storm is over.

First-Aid Kit: Band-aids and medicine for bumps and scraps.

A Whistle: To make a loud noise if you need to call for help.

Blankets & Pillows: To make a soft nest in your safe place.

Toys and Books: Your favorite coloring books, cards, or a stuffed animal to play with.

Water & Snacks: Enough food and water for everyone while you wait in your safe place.

Pets: Animals want to stay safe too. Make sure they have what they need. They may need a leash, water, pet food or a cage.

Important Adult Papers: Do your grown-ups have all the information and important papers in case something happens? Help them make copies of ID and insurance cards, family history & medical information, and emergency contacts. Pro Tip: Keep the papers in a plastic bag to keep water out.

Listen to Your Teachers: Your teacher will help keep you safe during a storm. Stay quiet and calm, and listen to what they tell you to do. They may have you move to a safe place in the school.

Be a Turtle: In your safe place, use your arms to cover your head and neck, just like a turtle hiding in its shell.

Stay Put: Do not leave your place until an adult tells you it’s ok to move.

Ask your teacher when the school will practice their next tornado drill.

Don’t be scared, be prepared! Knowing what do to during a tornado will help you safe.