Tornado Safety Tips: From the National Weather Service and the Red Cross. In general, reduce as much as possible. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building offers the greatest security. Tornado Warning Issued for Greenfield, Iowa as Severe Weather Hits Omaha and Madison
Keep as much as possible between your own and outside walls. Avoid windows at all costs!
In homes or public buildings: Go to a basement or small interior room, such as a closet, bathroom, or inner hall on the lowest level.
- Protect yourself from flying debris with mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, heavy coats, blankets or quilts. Use a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect your head.
- If an underground shelter or safe room is not available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a solid building is the safest option.
- In mobile homes: Mobile homes are not safe during hurricanes. Abandon mobile homes and move immediately to the nearest solid building or shelter.
- Leave well before the approaching severe weather and move to a sturdy building. If there is no shelter nearby, move into a nearby ditch, low space, or underground culvert. Lie flat, covering your head with your hands for protection.
In an apartment: Go to the lowest level (go to a neighbor’s apartment on the first floor if possible.) Regardless of which floor you are on, go to the bathtub or inside closet. If you’re on a higher level and can’t get to the lower apartment, look down in the breezeway of the apartment building
If you are caught outdoors: Take shelter in a basement, shelter or strong building. If you cannot get to a shelter quickly, get into a vehicle immediately and try to get to the nearest solid shelter. Remember to fasten your seat belt. Stay away from bridges/highway overpasses.
If high winds and flying debris are encountered while driving: Pull over and park, fasten your seat belt and keep the engine running. Put your head under the windows, cover your head with your hands and blanket. If you can safely go significantly below street level, get out of your car and lie down in the area with your head covered with your hands. Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.
The safest place is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
Report a power outage
Duke Energy: 1-800-POWRON, 1-800-769-3766, Customers can also report outages or view current outages online
Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356
Energy United: 1-800-386-4833
NC Electrical Cooperatives: 1-888-411-7870
Randolph Electric: 1-877-736-2633
Piedmont Electric: 1-800-449-2667
Lexington Electric City: 336-248-2337
High Point Electric City: 336-883-3111
Surry-Yadkin Electric: 336-356-8241
Connect with WXII 12
Make sure to download the WXII 12 app, so you can still get updates in the event of a power outage. You’ll also have access to the latest weather alerts for your area, live streaming videos, updated forecasts, breaking news and more.
- WXII 12 News App: Apple Devices
- WXII 12 News App: Android Devices
Share photos and videos
When it’s safe, please share your storm damage photos and videos with WXII 12. Be sure to include your name and location.
ULocal on the WXII mobile app
Click on the WXII 12 app, then scroll to find ULocal or access it from the menu and upload your photos and videos.
