Tornadoes – Get prepared

Tornadoes have been recorded in every province and territory in Canada but are most common in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and western New Brunswick.

How to prepare before a tornado

To prepare for a tornado:

• Prepare your emergency kit. Learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can take right away
• Make a household emergency plan. Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, children, pets, and anyone with special health needs
• Learn about colour-coded weather alerts and how forecasters use Weather Impact Guides to assign colours for tornado alerts
• Stay informed about thunderstorms alerts, as they are often associated with tornadoes
• Know the potential warning signs of tornadoes, including:
  • Severe thunderstorms, with frequent thunder and lightning
  • An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds
  • A rumbling sound or a whistling sound
  • A funnel cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail
• Seek shelter immediately if a warning has been issued or if you believe a tornado could occur

Where to get information

• Stay connected to weather alert services that share weather warnings, watches, advisories and statements:
  • WeatherCAN app provides local weather alert notifications
  • Weather information including public weather alerts across Canada
  • Local radio and television broadcasts will help you stay up to date with the latest local weather information
• Check if your wireless phone is compatible with Alert Ready, Canada's emergency alerting system

During a tornado

The safest thing you can do during a tornado is to quickly get into a well-supported basement area. Regardless of where you are when a tornado strikes, you should get as close to the ground as possible and protect your head. Watch out for flying debris. Most deaths and injuries occur when buildings collapse or when people are struck by flying debris, especially glass.

Don't chase tornadoes. They are unpredictable and can change course abruptly. Tornadoes may appear to be standing still when they are moving towards you.

If you are indoors

• The safest place is the lowest and most central room, preferably a basement or cellar
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, and use your arms to protect your head and neck
• Don't open windows
• Don't use elevators

If you are outdoors

• Go inside right away
• If you can't get inside, lie flat in a ditch or sunken ground and cover your head with your hands
• Do not go under an overpass or bridge

If you are in a mobile home

• Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately. Mobile homes do not offer much protection from tornadoes

If you are driving or in a vehicle

Don't try to outrace a tornado. Tornadoes can move quickly and change direction with little to no warning. Drive to the nearest solid structure and take shelter immediately. As every tornado is different, ensure that you assess your surroundings to make the best possible decision.

If there is no solid structure available for shelter:

• Pull off the road, park the vehicle, set the handbrake, and turn on your hazard lights
• If it's safe to exit your vehicle, seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch, away from your vehicle:
  • Lay flat and protect your head and neck from debris
• Be alert for rising water in the ditch and be prepared to move
• Be aware that you may still be exposed to harmful tornado winds in a ditch
• Don't attempt without a first responder's aid to get out of your vehicle if downed power lines are close by (within 10 m) or if they have fallen across your vehicle
• Whenever possible, avoid parking near tall objects and power lines
• Don't park or take shelter under an overpass as it can increase wind strength and collect debris

After a tornado

Once a tornado has passed, the threat of other tornadoes may remain. Stay weather aware and make sure that you have a way to receive weather alerts until you can be sure that the threat has passed.

Stay calm

• Remain under cover, or in a covered position for at least 60 seconds after the tornado has passed
• Once it's safe to move, follow the instructions from your emergency plan
• Follow instructions from local emergency officials
• If you have to leave your home, be sure to take your emergency kit and other essential items with you
• Only make phone calls if someone's life is in danger orif they require immediate emergency assistance. Otherwise, use alternative communication methods such as texting or data-based instant messaging
• If you're safe, assist elderly or vulnerable members of your family or community who may need immediate assistance

Make sure that your home is safe

• If possible, wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing to help prevent injury from debris, especially broken glass
• Don't waste food or water as supplies may be interrupted
• Be aware of downed power lines and stay at least 10 m away to avoid electrocution
• If tap water is available, fill a bathtub and other containers in case the local water supply is cut off
• Check your home for structural damage and other hazards
• If you suspect your home is unsafe, do not stay or re-enter
• When leaving your home, watch for safety hazards such as debris, unstable trees, downed power lines and damaged structures
• Be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Don't light matches or turn on electrical switches until you're sure there are no gas leaks or spilled flammable liquids