Turn on a battery-operated radio and wait for further instructions. Look for signs of debris below the visible funnel. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while others are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm.
It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. Designate areas in the school as shelter areas and practice having everyone go there in response to a tornado threat. Recognize that hydro may be out and have a whistle available in case the PA or alarm bells cannot function. Change rooms and washrooms are ideal places in most schools. Stay away from large glass areas.