Tornadoes can be deadly, especially for those caught in vehicles or mobile homes. Knowing what to do in these situations can mean the difference between life and death. This guide will help you take the right actions to stay safe when a tornado strikes while you’re on the road or in a mobile home.
Read our Ultimate Tornado Preparedness Guide.
Why Vehicles and Mobile Homes Are High-Risk in Tornadoes
🚗 Cars and trucks offer little protection – Tornado winds can easily flip or throw vehicles, making them extremely dangerous places to shelter.
🏠 Mobile homes are highly vulnerable – Even an EF1 tornado (winds of 86–110 mph) can overturn a mobile home or tear it apart.
Understanding these risks is crucial to making life-saving decisions when a tornado is approaching.
What to Do If You’re in a Vehicle During a Tornado
1. Do NOT Try to Outrun the Tornado
- Tornadoes can change direction quickly, and their wind speeds can exceed 200 mph. Driving away is rarely a safe option.
- If the tornado is far away and moving perpendicular to your path, you may be able to drive away at a right angle, but this is risky.
2. Seek Sturdy Shelter Immediately
- If a building or designated storm shelter is nearby, get inside as quickly as possible.
- Avoid seeking shelter under bridges or overpasses—wind speeds can accelerate and create a wind tunnel effect, increasing danger.
3. If No Shelter Is Available, Take Cover in a Low-Lying Area
- If you’re caught in the open with no nearby shelter, leave your vehicle and find a ditch or low-lying area.
- Lie flat, covering your head and neck with your arms, and stay as low as possible.
- Be mindful of potential flooding in low-lying areas.
4. As a Last Resort, Stay in Your Vehicle
- Buckle your seatbelt and keep your head below the windows.
- Cover yourself with a blanket, jacket, or any available cushion to protect against flying debris.
- Avoid parking under trees, power lines, or structures that may collapse.
What to Do If You’re in a Mobile Home During a Tornado
🏠 Mobile homes are NOT safe during tornadoes – Even if your mobile home is anchored, it is not designed to withstand tornado-strength winds. If a tornado warning is issued:
- Get out immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building, basement, or storm shelter.
- If no permanent structure is available, follow the same safety steps as being caught outside—find a low-lying area, lie flat, and protect your head.
- Establish a plan in advance so you know where to go when severe weather threatens.
Tornado Safety Checklist for Travelers and Mobile Home Residents
✅ Monitor Weather Alerts – Keep a NOAA weather radio or weather alert app active while traveling.
✅ Plan Ahead – Identify storm shelters or sturdy buildings along your route.
✅ Have an Emergency Kit – Include a flashlight, bottled water, first aid supplies, and extra phone chargers.
✅ Know Your Exits – If you live in a mobile home community, find the nearest designated tornado shelter.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Tornadoes are unpredictable, but preparation can save lives. If you live in a mobile home or frequently travel through tornado-prone areas, having a plan in place can make all the difference.
🚨 Want to help communities prepare for disasters? Donate or Train as a Hope Force Reservist today!
Together, we can provide protection when it’s needed most.
