DISASTER TIP SHEET

Tornadoes

Preparing Your Health for Tornadoes

  • If you live in a tornado-prone region (like the Midwest and the Southeast), sign up for tornado warning systems and make sure you know how the tornado siren sounds 
    • Understand the warning signs and sounds of a tornado 
    • Know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning 
      • Tornado watch: This means current weather conditions could lead to a tornado – this is the time to head to a safe location to avoid the storm 
      • Tornado warning: This means a tornado has been sighted – this is the time to seek shelter immediately 
  • Practice using a safe shelter or alternative location 
  • Keep a list of your local healthcare facilities, with addresses, phone numbers, and emails/websites 
    • Consider these facilities:
      • Hospitals/ERs
      • Pharmacies
      • Urgent care clinics
  • Keep a list of helpful hotlines 
    • Healthcare Ready: 1-866-247-2694
    • FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
    • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (or text “TalkWithUS” to 66746)
    • Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER): 1-866-901-3773
    • Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767
    • American Diabetes Association: 1-800-342-2283
    • American Heart Association: 1-800-242-8721
    • American Association of People with Disabilities: 1-800-840-8844
    • American Stroke Association: 1-888-478-7653
  • Make sure you know your prescription medication and health information – use Rx on the Run to keep a list of your prescriptions
    • Rx on the Run is a personalized wallet-sized card that lists your prescriptions with the latest dosage and instructions 

Protecting Your Health During a Tornado

  • Take shelter in a safe room on the lowest level without windows 
    • If you are not inside during a tornado, cover your head and neck with your arms, and use a coat or blanket to protect your body 

Recovering After a Tornado

  • Avoid breathing in harmful dust by covering your mouth 
  • Check your home for damages, including pipe leaks and gas leaks 
  • Use caution when cleaning up debris and don’t overexert yourself 
    • Always wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear, and beware of glass, nails, and other sharp objects  
    • If you are cut or scraped, clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly and keep it covered, especially if you have cancer or are otherwise immunocompromised
  • Contact family and friends to let them know you are safe  
    • Use text messages instead of phone calls to avoid breathing in dust and because phone lines might be down
    • Check in on your loved ones that may need support 
  • If there is a disaster declaration, you can also try to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance for financial support by calling 800-621-3362 or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
Download TIP SHEET (PDF)

This tip sheet was created thanks to generous support from Eli Lilly and Company.

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