Tornado Safety & Disaster Preparation

Tornado Preparedness Center

Tornadoes can form quickly and with little warning, especially during severe thunderstorms. While they are more common in the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic region—including New Jersey—can experience tornadoes during powerful storm systems.

Understanding the difference between alerts, having a plan in place, and preparing your home can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Here are some important tornado safety tips to help you stay prepared before, during, and after severe weather.

Understanding Tornado Alerts

Weather alerts are issued by the National Weather Service to help communities prepare for dangerous conditions.

Tornado Watch
A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in and around the watch area.

During a watch:

  • Monitor local weather updates
  • Review your emergency plan
  • Identify the safest place in your home
  • Be prepared to take action quickly if conditions worsen

Tornado Warning
A tornado warning means a tornado has been detected by radar or spotted by trained observers.

When a warning is issued:

  • Take shelter immediately
  • Move to the lowest level of your home
  • Stay away from windows and exterior walls

Tornado Emergency
A tornado emergency is the most serious alert and indicates a large, destructive tornado is impacting a populated area.

If a tornado emergency is issued:

  • Seek shelter immediately
  • Protect your head and neck
  • Remain in shelter until officials say it is safe

Get Prepared

Severe storms can develop quickly, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time.

Before storm season, make sure you:

Identify the safest place in your home
The safest place during a tornado is a basement or storm shelter. If you do not have a basement, move to an interior room on the lowest floor such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway.

Create a family emergency plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go during a tornado warning. Identify meeting places and emergency contacts in case family members become separated.

Stay informed
Download weather alert apps or enable emergency alerts on your phone so you receive warnings as soon as they are issued.

Secure outdoor items
Strong winds can turn outdoor furniture, grills, or yard equipment into dangerous projectiles. Secure or store these items when severe weather is expected.

Review your insurance coverage
Windstorms and tornadoes can cause damage from strong winds, falling trees, and flying debris. Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy to ensure you understand your coverage and deductibles.

If you have questions, contact us to review your protection.

Build Your Emergency Kit

After a severe storm, you may be without power or basic services for several hours or even days. Prepare an emergency kit with supplies that will keep your family safe and comfortable.

Your kit should include at minimum:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
  • Nonperishable food with a manual can opener
  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio recommended)
  • Phone chargers or portable power banks
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Emergency tools such as a multipurpose knife
  • Cash
  • Prescription medications
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Copies of important documents
  • Pet supplies including food, water, medication, and leashes

Store your emergency kit in a location that is easy to access quickly.

What To Do During a Tornado

If a tornado warning is issued, take shelter immediately.

At Home

  • Go to the lowest level of your home
  • Move to an interior room with no windows
  • Protect your head and neck with blankets, pillows, or a mattress

In an Apartment or Office Building

  • Move to a lower floor if possible
  • Use interior stairwells or hallways
  • Avoid windows and large open areas

If You Are Driving

  • If possible, drive to a sturdy building and seek shelter
  • Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in heavy traffic
  • As a last resort, lie flat in a low ditch or depression and cover your head

What To Do After a Tornado

Once the storm has passed, it’s important to stay cautious and aware of hazards.

Check for injuries
Provide first aid if needed and call emergency services if someone is seriously injured.

Watch for hazards
Avoid downed power lines, broken gas lines, and unstable structures.

Document damage
Take photos and videos of property damage to help support insurance claims.

Contact your insurance provider
Report damage as soon as possible and begin the claims process.

FEMA Disaster Assistance

If a tornado causes major damage in your area, federal disaster assistance may become available.

You can register with FEMA in several ways:

By phone: 1-800-621-3362
Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
Visit: www.fema.gov

Even if you have insurance, registering with FEMA may help provide additional assistance during major disasters.

Small Business Recovery Assistance

After a federally declared disaster, the Small Business Administration (SBA) may offer low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses.

To learn more:

Visit: www.sba.gov/disaster
Call: 1-800-659-2955
Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

These loans can help cover repair or rebuilding costs not fully covered by insurance.