Tornado Safety Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the face of the earth. Winds havebeen estimated close to 300 mph in large tornadoes. Although Ohio's number of tornadoes doesnot rank high in the United States, we do average around 16 tornadoes a year. Go to the basement or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Get under a sturdy piece of furniture or wrap yourself in blankets or towels to protect yourself from flying debris.
Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes.
If you are in either of these locations,leave them and go to a substantial structure, such as a designated storm shelter. If no structure is near, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areaswith wide-span roofs such as an auditoriums and warehouses. See the figure for example of whereto go and what to do in a school. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.