While the seconds spent outside will pose considerable risk, the danger inside the trailer is just as great. The carefully developed drill should be run several times a year to keep students and staff in good practice, and to work out any kinks in the drill before it is needed for real. Also, large and easy to read maps or signs with arrows should be posted throughout the hallways directing people to the safe areas. Make special provisions for disabled students and those in portable classrooms. Make sure someone knows how to turn off electricity and gas in the event the school is damaged.
Children are safer deep within a school than in a bus or car.
Students should not be sent home early if severe weather is approaching, because they may still be out on the roads when it hits. Lunches or assemblies in large rooms should be postponed if severe weather is approaching. Gymnasiums, cafeterias, and auditoriums offer no protection from tornado-strength winds. Also, even if there is no tornado, severe thunderstorms can generate winds strong enough to cause major damage. Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings quickly and directly from your local National Weather Service office.