Source: National Center for Environmental Health — Content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (public domain).
Key points
* Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your loved ones.
* Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take to protect your health and safety.
Prepare for a tornado 
Know the signs of a tornado. Tornadoes impact locations across the country every year, bringing massive winds and destruction in their paths. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains, the Midwest, and the Southeast, they have been reported in all 50 states. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by preparing in advance for tornadoes. Learn more:
* Preparing for a Tornado
Stay safe during a tornado 
Take shelter if you see signs of a tornado. During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects. Learn what steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during a tornado. Learn more:
* Safety Guidelines: During a Tornado
Stay safe after a tornado 
Learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe after a tornado. After a tornado, there are many hazards you could face, including injuries from walking among debris or entering damaged buildings. Protecting yourself and your loved ones requires promptly treating any injuries suffered during the storm and using extreme care to avoid further hazards. Learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe after a tornado. Learn more:
* Safety Guidelines: After a Tornado
Resources
* Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
* Hurricanes and Other Tropical Storms
* Tornadoes | Ready.gov
* Tornado Safety (weather.gov)
* Tornado Safety Tips | Tornado Preparedness | Red Cross