Tornado Safety Tips for Families: How to Keep Kids Safe During a Storm
A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. It’s important that children, families and communities understand tornado safety tips and how to stay safe during a tornado, as they can be deadly and cause wide spread destruction.
Tornadoes are more common in the United States than any other country in the world. While tornadoes have been documented in every state, some regions and states are far more prone to being affected. It's also important to remember that tornadoes can happen at any time of year.
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10 Tornado Safety Tips for Families
1. Identify a safe shelter location
2. Create a family emergency plan
3. Prepare a tornado emergency kit
4. Practice tornado drills with children
5. Monitor weather alerts
6. Know the safest place in your home
7. Avoid windows and exterior walls
8. Protect your head and neck
9. Stay informed during the storm
10. Check for injuries and hazards after
Below, we break down these tornado safety tips into what families should do before, during and after a storm.
How Can Families Prepare for a Tornado?
- Talk about tornadoes: Explain in simple, reassuring terms that tornadoes are natural events.
- Know the warning signs: Watch for dark green skies, hail, debris clouds or a roaring sound.
- Review school emergency plans: Ask about disaster preparedness, especially in rural areas.
- Practice tornado drills: Regular drills help families respond quickly in an emergency.
What Can Families Do to Stay Safe During a Tornado?
- Seek shelter immediately: Go to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor.
- Avoid windows and exterior walls: Stay in a protected, enclosed space.
- Take cover if outside: Lie flat in a low area and protect your head and neck.
- Wear a helmet if available: Especially important for protecting children from debris.
What Can Families Do to Stay Safe After a Tornado?
- Stay informed: Listen to local updates and emergency instructions.
- Check for injuries and hazards: Ensure your surroundings are safe.
- Involve children in recovery: Small tasks can help restore a sense of control.
- Support emotional recovery: Encourage children to share feelings and offer reassurance.
What should you do during a tornado at home?
During a tornado, seek shelter immediately in the safest place available. The best option is a basement or storm cellar. If those are not available, go to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home, such as a bathroom or closet, and stay away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, get under something sturdy like a heavy table and protect your head and neck. Continue to monitor weather updates until the danger has passed.
Where is the safest place during a tornado?
The safest place during a tornado is the interior part of a basement or a designated storm shelter. If your home does not have a basement, move to an interior room on the lowest floor without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Avoid windows, doors and exterior walls, and use your arms or a helmet to protect your head and neck from flying debris.
How can families prepare for a tornado?
Families can prepare for a tornado by creating a clear emergency plan, identifying a safe shelter location and assembling a tornado emergency kit with essential supplies. It’s also important to talk with children about tornado safety, teach them the warning signs—such as dark greenish skies, large hail or a roaring sound—and practice tornado drills regularly so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
How do you keep kids safe during a tornado?
To keep kids safe during a tornado, make sure they understand what a tornado is in simple, reassuring terms and practice going to a safe place as a family. During a storm, move children quickly to a secure shelter, keep them away from windows and consider having them wear a helmet to protect against head injuries. After the storm, listen to their concerns, provide reassurance and involve them in safe recovery activities to help them feel more in control.
What should be in a tornado emergency kit?
A tornado emergency kit should include essentials such as:
water
nonperishable food
a flashlight
batteries
a first aid kit
necessary medications
Families should also include items for children, such as comfort items or activities, to help reduce stress during an emergency. Keeping your kit accessible ensures you can act quickly when a tornado warning is issued.
How to Help Children and Families Affected by Tornadoes
Your donation to the Children's Emergency Fund helps our work in the U.S. and around the world to support children and their communities prevent, prepare for and recover from deadly tornadoes and other extreme weather events.
These tips were developed by Save the Children’s emergency response and child protection experts, based on decades of experience supporting children in crises worldwide.
Clinically Reviewed by: Save the Children's Child Protection team | Written by: Save the Children Editorial Team| Last Reviewed: March 2026