Tornado warning, what do I do?

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – When you think about areas that are high risk for tornadoes, Louisiana does usually not come to mind. Here is what to in a tornado warning, acting quickly is key to keeping you and your family safe.

Stay weather ready continue to listen to local news to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.

What to do by location, according to the National Weather Service.

• At Your House: If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
• Outside: Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent.  If you have time, get to a safe building.
• In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
• At Your Workplace or School: Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.

Quick facts you should know about tornadoes from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

• They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but may vary from stationary to 70 mph.
• Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May.