Tornado Safety Tips Published April 26, 2016 By Staff Reports 22nd Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Severe weather brings the threat of tornadoes with it. Tornadoes can cause damage and injuries to anyone who is not prepared, which is why it's important to have a plan in place. If you don't have one already, it's a good idea to build an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, medications, extra clothing, portable phone chargers, batteries, flashlights, important documents and a battery-operated radio. Be sure to pay attention to local news and TV stations to know what to expect. Know the community's warning system. Many communities have ways of warning residents about tornadoes such as sirens. On base, a three to five minute steady tone will be sounded in the event of a natural disaster. Be aware of tornado warning signs, such as dark, greenish clouds, wall clouds, clouds of debris, large hail, funnel clouds and a roaring noise. Before a tornado, know where to take shelter. Safe places include basements, center hallways, bathrooms or closets on the lowest floor of a building. Exterior walls and windows should be avoided. If there's no time to get to the lowest floor, a hallway in the center of a building can be used for cover. Everyone's situation could be different during a tornado. If at home: Go to a windowless, interior room, storm cellar, basement, or the lowest level of the building. Get under and hold onto a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench, heavy table or desk and use your arms to protect your head and neck. If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere. If at work: Go to the basement or to an interior hallway at the lowest level. All facilities on base have tornado shelters. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias or large hallways. Get under and hold onto a piece of sturdy furniture and use your arms to protect your head and neck. If outside: Get inside a building or shelter. If shelter is not available or if there is not enough time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low lying area and use your arms to protect your head and neck. If in a vehicle: Get out of the vehicle immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. Never try to outrun a tornado. If there is not enough time to get indoors, get out of the vehicle and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle, but be aware of the possibility of flooding. After a tornado, check for injuries and provide first aid and CPR if trained to do so. Watch out for broken glass, fallen power lines and don't enter damaged areas until told it is safe to do so by authorities, such as emergency management or base officials. Do not use candles or an open flame as combustibles may be present. Use caution when entering a damaged building.