Safety Tips Knowing simple safety rules and taking immediate action can save your life. The following safety tips are offered by the Virginia Department of Emergency Services, the National Weather Services and the Loudoun County Department of Fire and Rescue. The best shelter from a tornado is a basement. Protect your body from flying debris with a heavy blanket or sleeping bag. Opening windows to equalize pressure is ineffective in reducing damage during a tornado.
Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes.
Seek shelter elsewhere. If your are caught in an open building like a shopping mall, gymnasium or civic center, get into the restroom, if possible. In larger buildings, restrooms are usually made of concrete block and will offer more protection. If there is no time to go anywhere else, seek shelter right where you are. Try to get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris.