Hazard guide · Tornadoes

How to pick a tornado shelter

When a tornado warning sounds, you may have only a few minutes. The decision about where to go should already be made. This guide shows how to choose the safest spot in your home and what to do when you have no good options.

Last reviewed October 2026

The basic rule

Most tornado injuries come from flying debris and collapsing walls and roofs. The goal is to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside, get as low as you can, and stay away from windows.

That gives a simple order of preference:

1. A safe room or storm shelter built to FEMA's safe room guidance (FEMA P-361) or the ICC 500 standard. These are designed to withstand the strongest tornadoes.
2. A basement, under a sturdy table or workbench, or under the stairs.
3. A small interior room on the lowest floor with no windows, such as a closet, bathroom or central hallway.

See the safest rooms in an interactive 3D house

Choosing a spot in your home

If you have a basement

Pick the corner or wall farthest from windows. Avoid the area directly under heavy objects on the floor above, such as a piano, refrigerator, washer or water heater, which can fall through a damaged floor. Clear a space so you can get there quickly in the dark.

If you don't have a basement

Find the room closest to the center of the house on the lowest floor. A windowless closet or bathroom is usually best, because its small size and many surrounding walls make it stronger. A bathtub offers a little extra protection, but only if you also cover yourself. Stay off upper floors.

Apartments and condos

Go to the lowest floor you can reach safely, ideally an interior hallway or stairwell away from windows. Ask your building manager where the designated shelter area is before you need it.

Places that are not safe

• Mobile and manufactured homes, even tied down. Strong tornadoes can destroy them completely. During a tornado watch, plan to move to a sturdy building nearby, and go at the warning.
• Rooms with large roof spans, such as gyms, auditoriums, big-box stores and churches. Long unsupported roofs are more likely to collapse. In a public building, follow the posted shelter signs or head to a small interior room or restroom.
• Highway overpasses. Wind speeds increase under them and debris is funneled through. They are a dangerous place to stop.
• Vehicles, which offer little protection. If you can drive out of the tornado's path at right angles, do so. If you are caught, either stay buckled with your head below the windows and covered, or get out and lie in a ditch or low area away from the car.

Stock your shelter

Keep a small kit where you'll shelter so you don't have to gather things in a hurry:

• Helmets for each person. Head injuries are a leading cause of tornado deaths, and bike or sports helmets work.
• Sturdy shoes, since you may need to walk over broken glass and debris afterward.
• A flashlight, a whistle to signal rescuers, and a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio.
• Blankets, a sleeping bag or a mattress pad to cover yourself.
• Bottled water and any medications you need right away.

How strong tornadoes get

Tornadoes are rated after the fact on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, based on the damage they cause. The wind speeds below are estimates for a three-second gust.

Most tornadoes are EF0 or EF1, and a well-chosen interior room gives good protection in those. Even in violent tornadoes, many people survive by being in the right spot with their heads covered.

Know the signs

Don't wait to see a tornado. Many are hidden by rain or darkness, and nighttime tornadoes are especially deadly because people are asleep. Warning signs include a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, a low rotating cloud, and a loud continuous roar that sounds like a freight train. Keep a weather radio or phone alerts on overnight during a tornado watch.

Sources: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (spc.noaa.gov); National Weather Service; FEMA; Ready.gov.