Main Navigation Header Living Here - Fairfax County Homepage Doing Business in Fairfax County Visiting Fairfax County Fairfax County Government Using this Site Contact us

Tornado Preparedness Tips

Tornado Should a tornado approach, follow these safety suggestions:

  • “Go low and stay low,” which means to go to the lowest level of a structure away from windows and crouch in a low position with your head covered.

  • Mobile homes and cars are extremely unsafe during a tornado. Take cover inside a nearby sturdy building. If that’s not possible, lie down in a ditch away from your mobile home or car and cover your head with your hands.

  • Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch means current weather conditions may result in a tornado. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted. When a tornado warning is issued for your area, take cover immediately.

  • Be aware that the majority of tornadoes occur between 3 and 9 p.m. Think of where you would normally be during that time – at school, at work or in the car. You may only have a few seconds to react. Decide now where you would go if a tornado warning is issued.

  • Have a weather radio nearby so you can listen for tornado watches and warnings. Tornadoes can also occur with little or no advance warning. If the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for your area, your weather radio will sound an alert, indicating you need to move to a safe area immediately.

  • Remember that tornadoes can occur any time of the year and often strike with little or no advance warning.

  • Sign up for the Community Emergency Alert Network for important emergency alerts, notifications and updates for county residents during severe weather, a major crisis or emergency. Residents may register for any or all of the additional CEAN alert categories, including severe weather 24/7 or severe weather 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, both of which would include alerts for tornado watches and warnings.

 

More Information