🌪 Tornado Preparedness

Tornadoes are among the most destructive and dangerous forces of nature. These violent storms, often called “twisters,” form as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can bring devastating winds, large hail, heavy rain, and dangerous lightning.

⚠️ Tornado Alerts: Know the Difference

• 🟡 Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Stay alert and be prepared to take action.
• 🔴 Tornado Warning – A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Seek shelter immediately.

Each year, the U.S. experiences around 800 tornadoes, resulting in 80 fatalities and 1,500 injuries. Tornadoes are most common in the spring and early summer, particularly in the Great Plains, where warm, moist air collides with dry, hot air along drylines.

🏠 Seeking Shelter: Where to Go

✅ Best Shelter Locations

🔹 Basement – The safest place is underground. Take cover under a sturdy object like a workbench.
🔹 Interior Room (No Basement) – If no basement is available, go to a small, windowless room in the center of your home (closet, bathroom, or hallway). The more walls between you and the storm, the better.
🔹 Work or School – Follow the emergency shelter plan. If none exists, move to an interior hallway or small room on the lowest level. Avoid glass and wide-span roofs.
🔹 Shopping Malls & Stores – Go to the center of the lowest level and stay away from windows. Lie flat and cover yourself with any sturdy object.

⚠️ Dangerous Locations & What to Do

🚫 Mobile Homes – Even with tie-downs, mobile homes are extremely unsafe. Go to a sturdy nearby building or a prearranged shelter. As a last resort, lie flat outdoors, covering your head and neck.
🚗 Vehicles – Never try to outrun a tornado. Flying debris can be deadly. Get out and seek shelter. If no safe structure is available, lie in a low area (ditch or culvert), covering your head and neck. Be aware of flash flooding risks.

📍 Find a Community Shelter/Safe Room

Faulkner County has designated community storm shelters and safe rooms for public use. To view the list of available shelters, visit:
🔗 Community Shelters & Safe Rooms

📻 Be Prepared

• Have a battery-powered weather radio and flashlight ready.
• Monitor local news and alerts for updates.
• Create a tornado emergency plan for your family, workplace, and school.
• Conduct regular tornado drills so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

🚨 Tornado Siren Disclaimer

Please note that Faulkner County OEM is not responsible for the operation of tornado sirens within the county. Tornado sirens are maintained by the individual cities or fire districts where they are located. OEM does not have control or authority over these sirens.

For information or concerns regarding tornado sirens, please contact your local city government or fire district.

⚡ Stay Alert. Stay Safe. Be Prepared.