Tornado Safety and Preparedness

How To Stay Safe When Threat Of Nighttime Tornadoes Looms

At a Glance

Nighttime tornado warnings are particularly scary.
Always have two ways to receive warnings for severe weather.
Make sure everyone knows the safest spot in your home.

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The possibility of any tornado is frightening, but the thought of a twister striking in the night is really scary.

And for good reason: Tornadoes at night are more than twice as likely to be deadly as those during the day, according to a study. You can, however, take steps to be as safe as possible.

Here are some tips:

Buy a NOAA weather radio. You can find these at most electronics retailers. They feature warning alarms that can be set to sound loudly when any National Weather Service tornado or severe thunderstorm watch or warning is issued.
Your smartphone can alert you. Most smartphones are capable of receiving wireless emergency alerts from your local NWS office. These include tornado warnings. Make sure your smartphone is charged sufficiently and left on overnight, and a special tone and vibration will occur twice when a tornado warning is issued. Note, however, this will not sound for a tornado watch or severe thunderstorm warning.
Weather apps can also alert you. Many weather apps, including The Weather Channel app, can also send alerts to your smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.
Know where to go. Have a plan in place in advance for where you will seek shelter. If your home has no basement, go to the lowest floor and get into a small center room — such as a bathroom or closet — or under a stairwell or in an interior hallway with no windows.
Don't wait until you can see the twister. It will be difficult to see it in the dark or if it's wrapped in rain. Move to a safe space when the warning comes.

In general, your awareness of the threat of overnight severe weather, before you go to sleep, is very important.

Is a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch extending into the overnight hours? Or is there a threat of severe weather developing overnight? Make sure your weather radio or smartphone is ready to alert you. It could save your life.

MORE ON TORNADO SAFETY

Nighttime Tornadoes More Than Twice As Likely To Be Deadly

7 Things You Should Never Forget When Tornadoes Strike

The Ingredients That Trigger A Severe Weather Outbreak

How Your Cell Phone Can Help Keep You Safe In Severe Weather

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