Tornado safety tips: What New Yorkers should do during a watch or warning

The National Weather Service urges New Yorkers to be prepared when tornadoes threaten. While no place is completely safe during a tornado, taking the right precautions can significantly increase your chances of staying safe.

What should I do during a tornado warning?

A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar. If a warning is issued for your area, take shelter immediately.

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The National Weather Service recommends:

• Move to the lowest floor of a sturdy building, preferably a basement or an interior room.
• Stay away from windows and exterior walls.
• Do not go outside to look for the tornado.
• Protect yourself from flying debris with a mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets or other heavy padding.
• Wear a helmet if one is available to help protect your head.

What if I'm in a building away from home?

If you're at work, school or another public building:

• Go to the lowest floor.
• Shelter in a small interior room, such as a bathroom, closet or interior hallway.
• Stay away from windows and large open spaces such as gymnasiums, cafeterias and auditoriums.
• Crouch low, face down and cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Use blankets, coats or other padding if available.

What if I live in a mobile or manufactured home?

Mobile and manufactured homes are not safe during a tornado, even if they are anchored.

If a tornado watch is issued, identify a nearby sturdy building or designated storm shelter where you can go if a warning is issued.

What if I'm driving?

Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from tornadoes.

If you can safely reach a sturdy building, do so immediately.

If that's not possible:

• Pull over outside of traffic lanes.
• Keep your seat belt fastened.
• Lower your head below the windows and cover it with a coat, blanket or cushion if available.

If you can safely reach a low-lying area, leave your vehicle and lie flat, covering your head with your hands.

Do not seek shelter under bridges or highway overpasses.

What if I'm outside?

If you're outdoors when a tornado approaches:

• Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
• If no shelter is available, lie flat in a low-lying area.
• Cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Stay away from trees, vehicles and objects that could become airborne.

If you have a basement

A basement is generally the safest place during a tornado.

• Shelter under a sturdy table or workbench if possible.
• Protect yourself with blankets, a mattress or other heavy padding.
• Wear a helmet if available, or use your arms to protect your head.
• Avoid areas beneath heavy furniture or appliances on the floor above.

Tornado watch vs. tornado warning

Understanding the difference between a watch and a warning is critical.

Tornado watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Review your emergency plan, monitor the weather and be prepared to take shelter.

Tornado warning: A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take shelter immediately.

More: NY Tornado Database

How common are tornadoes?

Tornadoes can occur in New York and across much of the United States, particularly during the spring and summer months. While most are relatively weak, stronger tornadoes can produce destructive winds, flying debris and life-threatening conditions.

The National Weather Service recommends having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including Wireless Emergency Alerts on your smartphone, local television and radio stations, NOAA Weather Radio and trusted weather apps.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Tornado safety tips: What New Yorkers should do during a watch or warning