Tornadoes in Indiana Dashboard

Tornadoes in Indiana Dashboard

More than 1,300 tornadoes have been verified in Indiana since 1950, causing more than 5,000 injuries and 300 fatalities. In 2019, 32 tornadoes were recorded in the state, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Tornadoes are violent, rotating cylinders that can have wind speeds in excess of 300 mph, be more than a mile wide and cover approximately 50 miles during destruction. Because tornadoes are one of the more common natural-disaster risks the state faces, it is imperative Hoosiers are prepared before one occurs.

Download tornado safety tips

Tornadoes in Indiana Dashboard

Tornado Safety Tips

• Terms to Know
  

  A variety of weather terms are used during natural disasters such as tornadoes, and while they may sound similar, there is an important difference among them.

  • Tornado Watch: Conditions for a tornado is favorable.
  • Tornado Warning: A tornado is reported or the weather radar indicates one could develop soon.
• Before a Tornado
  

  Meteorologists can predict these violent forces of nature, but even with warning tornados can still be devastating. The best protection against them is by being prepared.

  • Make sure preparedness kits are portable for easy transport if evacuation is necessary. Preparedness kits should be tailored to household needs.
  • Understand the risk of tornadoes in local areas and recognize the warning signs that indicate a tornado could or is forming.
  • Tornados can occur at any time, and often happen at night. Conduct household tornado drills at various times during the day, so everyone is prepared for all eventualities
  • Identify safe places to shelter. For optimal protection, choose basements, inner rooms and storm cellars away from doors, windows and outer walls.
  • Review and practice severe weather plans created by employers.
  • If applicable, understand severe weather plans of local schools.
  • Purchase and configure an all-hazard weather radio and have more than one way to get weather alerts.
• During a Tornado
  

  • Move to one of the identified safe locations and cover the head and neck with arms. Blankets, pillows and furniture can provide additional protection.
  • If in a vehicle, the best choice is to get out and take shelter in a strong building. If no building is available, stay in the vehicle, lower the head below the window and place arms over the neck and head to guard against injuries.
  • Do not take shelter in underpass. Strong winds can cause damage to the structure and cause it to collapse.
  • Individuals living in mobile or manufactured homes should move to a shelter with a strong foundation.
  • If possible, bring pets indoors and secure them to prevent escaping.
• After a Tornado
  

  Tornadoes have the ability to destroy buildings, uproot trees and leave behind a large amount of dangerous debris. Recovering from a devastating tornado can be a lengthy and hazardous process. The following tips can make the recovery process slightly easier:

  • Stay out of damaged buildings until they have been inspected and cleared by a building official.
  • Help others, especially those who might be trapped or injured.
  • Reserve phone calls for emergencies. Phone wires may be damaged and have limited access.
  • Stay away from downed power lines.
  • Be aware of possible water, gas or oil leaks.
  • Monitor radio, television, website or social media reports for further instructions.

Resources

Tornado Safety (American Red Cross)
Tornadoes (Ready.gov)

Staying Safe Through the Storm

Residential Safe Room

Residential Safe Room

Residential Safe Room

In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries. Protecting Hoosiers since 2015, the IDHS Safe Room Program has helped residents and communities statewide install hardened structures specifically designed to provide "near-absolute protection" in extreme weather events, like tornadoes.

Safe rooms provide a shield of protection, and studies demonstrate that they can survive winds as high as 250 miles per hour. Built above or below ground level, safe rooms are customizable. They can be small enough for a family to seek shelter or large enough for dozens of school students and staff to hunker down.

IDHS coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the grant program to provide partial reimbursement for safe room projects. For more information on community and residential safe rooms, visit the Mitigation and Recovery page.