Kids in Action: Tornadoes

As part of Reaction Compassion’s In Case Anything Happens, I Love You Series, we’ve created this kid-friendly guide to answer the question, “What do I do when there’s a tornado?”

Be Brave & Ready

Tornadoes can happen quickly, but you can stay safe by being calm and alert.
Prepare for action by following these tornado safety steps.

🌪 Tornadoes: A fast and powerful wind funnel.

During a Tornado

Once you hear the siren, go straight indoors to a low, safe, and sturdy space away from windows until an adult says its okay to come out!
Stay away from windows and doors, and cover your head and neck.
If you’re at school:
- Follow your school’s tornado drill instructions.
If you’re at home, daycare, or in a place indoors:
- Listen for alerts on the local TV, radio, or from adults.
- Grab your go-bag*
- Go to the basement, if you have one.
  - If you live in a mobile home, try to get to a storm shelter or sturdy building that’s strong.
If you’re outside or in a car:
- Find shelter in a sturdy building.
- Lie flat in a low ditch far from trees and power lines and cover yourself.
- Use a bright colored cloth or flashlight to signal rescuers where you are.
Call 911 if in distress!

Check out this science cartoon to see how tornadoes form!

Safety Words to Know

Tornado Siren: Usually tested every month, but if its not a scheduled drill, go indoors!
Tornado Watch: Tornado may happen.
Tornado Warning: Tornado has been seen or is close.
- Take action!! Go straight to safety!!

Did You Know? Tornadoes can also be known as twisters, cyclones, and funnels.

Be a Tornado Safety Hero!

Windy storms can happen with little to no warning. If you see any of these, a tornado may be forming:

A loud roaring that may sound like a train
A spinning cone-shaped cloud close to the ground
Flying objects that seem broken or torn off
A dark grey or green sky
Hail, or balls of ice, dropping from the sky

To prepare even more, make sure you:

Practice tornado drills for home, and if you’re playing outside.
Help pack an emergency supply kit with your household.
Find shelter locations where you spend a lot of time.

Download our Free Safety Guide!

Kids in Action – Tornadoes – Reaction Compassion Download

Explore More Resources

Don’t stop there! Check out more tornado safety activities and resources at the following trusted websites:

Copyright Notice: All written content in this guide is the intellectual property of Reaction Compassion. This material may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used for personal gain or commercial purposes, including sale or publication online, without explicit written permission from Reaction Compassion. All rights reserved.

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