GREENSBORO, N.C. — Twenty-one tornadoes touched down in the state last year! North Carolina can get very busy during the severe weather season, so it is important that everyone is ready for whatever may occur. Residents, businesses, and schools are encouraged to participate in the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 9th at 9:30 am. Hear "tornado warning" then you should go to a safe space immediately! The high winds associated with the tornado can easily send items flying, so it is important to protect your head with any accessible protection and crouch low.
In a home?
If you are in a home, the best place to go is your basement or a small interior room without windows like your closet, bathroom, or interior hallway on the lowest level. On the way to the safe spot, grab anything that helps add an additional barrier between you and any potential flying elements in the event that your outer structure gives in. Crouching under a heavy table or mattress can be useful in protecting your head. A helmet is also useful!
In a school or a business?
Find the shelter area! If you're unable to get there quickly, find the most interior hallway or room on the lowest level. Stay far away from windows!
In a mobile home?
Get out of the mobile home and move to a sturdy building. If that isn't a quick option, move to the innermost room in the home that has no windows.
Outside with no shelter available?
There are many factors at play that can contribute to your decision making, but the safest options would be to immediately drive to the closest sturdy shelter, lie in an area that is lower than the level of the road, or crouch and cover your head with your arms, blanket, coat, and/ or cushion!
Never try to outrun a tornado and do not hide under an overpass.