What to Do During a Tornado

FEMA Tornado Information Site

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!
If you are in: Then:
A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
The outside with no shelter Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Tornado/Severe Weather Sheltering
Once the tornado sirens are sounded, an officer with the Webb City Police Department will open the Webb City Public Library at 101 South Liberty Street as an emergency storm shelter. An officer will remain at the shelter until the severe weather threat has passed.



State Tornado Drill Set for 1:30 p.m., March 9th
March is Severe Spring Weather Month in Missouri. The National Weather Service offices in Missouri will initiate the 36th annual state tornado drill at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 9th. If Missouri is experiencing severe weather conditions, the weather service will move the drill to Thursday, March 11th at 1:30 p.m.

The drill can be completed in 15 minutes. Once Missourians hear broadcast drill messages or outdoor warning sirens, they should practice seeking shelter. The safest location is an interior room without windows in the lowest level of a building. Other school or business safe locations are basements, hallways, under staircases and designated tornado safe rooms. Once everyone is accounted for, the drill is over.
Emergency/Disaster Information