Tornado Safety in Schools

Overview

Your National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency and American Red Cross educate community officials and the public concerning the dangers posed by tornadoes.

You can prepare for the possibility of a tornado by learning the safest places to seek shelter when at home, work, school or outdoors. You should also understand basic weather terms and danger signs related to tornadoes. Your chances of staying safe during a tornado are greater if you have a plan for you and your family, and practice the plan frequently.

Tips

• Every school should have a plan!
• Develop a severe weather action plan and have frequent drills.
• Basements offer the best protection. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor and away from windows.
• Those responsible for activating the plan should monitor weather information from NOAA Weather Radio and local radio / television.
• If the school's alarm system relies on electricity, have a compressed air horn or megaphone to activate the alarm in case of power failure.
• Make special provisions for disabled students and those in portable classrooms.
• Make sure someone knows how to turn off electricity and gas in the event the school is damaged.
• Keep children at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather is expected. Children are safer at school than in a bus or car.
• Lunches or assemblies in large rooms should be delayed if severe weather is anticipated. Gymnasiums, cafeterias and auditoriums offer no protection from tornado-strength winds.
• Move students quickly into interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floor.
• Hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions should develop a similar plan.