HAZARD

Tornado

Fast and localized — the priority is a safe place to shelter and a way to get warned in time.

FEMA National Risk Index & Ready.gov (reviewed) · reviewed 2026-07-06

What raises the risk

• Living in the central and southeastern severe-storm belts.
• Homes without a basement or an interior safe room.
• Manufactured or older housing more exposed to high winds.

How to prepare

• Identify the safest spot now — a basement or a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor.
• Enable phone alerts and keep a battery or hand-crank weather radio.
• Keep shoes, a helmet, and a kit near your shelter spot during storm season.

Insurance

Wind and tornado damage are usually covered under standard homeowner policies, but deductibles and roof rules vary — confirm the specifics with a licensed agent.