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1. How do I protect myself and my family during tornado threats?

In Your Car

If you see a tornado while you are driving, stop your car and get out. Find the lowest spot, such as a ditch, and lie flat on the ground. Cover your head with your hands. Do not seek shelter beneath overpasses as wind speeds can be higher in narrow passages. Never try to out-drive a tornado.

At School, Office or Shopping Centers

In schools and office buildings, go to a designated shelter. If there is not one, the safest place is in the basement or an interior hallway on the lowest floor. In shopping centers, move as far away from glass doors and windows as possible. If you are in a building with a large-span roof, such as a gymnasium or auditorium, seek shelter elsewhere.

2. How do I stay safe after a tornado?

Once a tornado has passed, the danger is not over. In fact, half of all tornado-related injuries occur following the storm. Before you leave your shelter, look outside and assess potential hazards. While inspecting the damage, cleaning up and living without power, take the following precautions:

• Do not touch downed power lines or any objects that are in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to authorities.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when cleaning up.
• Look out for broken glass and exposed nails, a leading cause of tetanus. If you get a nail puncture, contact your doctor or local health department. You may need to get a tetanus shot.
• Use extreme caution when entering damaged structures.
• If your home is damaged, shut off the electrical power, natural gas and propane gas to avoid electrocution, fires, and explosions.
• If you smell gas in your home, turn the main gas valve off and call the gas company. Open windows and doors. Do not smoke, light candles or use matches.
• Whenever possible, use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns instead of candles.
• Help avoid injuries when using chainsaws and power tools by learning how to operate them properly, and always following recommended safety procedures.
• Never use generators, grills, camp stoves or other gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, garage or near open windows, doors, and vents. Carbon monoxide - a colorless, odorless gas - can build up and cause sudden illness and death. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or feel dizzy, light-headed or nauseous, seek immediate medical attention.

3. Why can't I hear the warning siren inside my house?

The warning sirens are designed to be "outdoor" warning sirens only. They are for people who may be outside away from other sources of information. All citizens should have an NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio. When the weather is threatening, you should rely on the All-Hazards radio, and broadcast media for the most reliable information. If the forecasters say to take cover, please do so immediately. Do not wait to hear the warning siren. For more information on the system capabilities and limitations, please see our Outdoor Warning System page.

4. What are some tornado fact versus fiction tips?

• Fiction: Areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.
  Fact: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980s, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000-foot mountain.
• Fiction: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead.
  Fact: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage.
• Fiction: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.
  Fact: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately move to a safe place.

Source

Nature's Most Violent Storms, A Preparedness Guide, USDC, NOAA, NWS