Tornado season typically peaks between April and July, and it’s important for every apartment resident to know exactly what to do if a tornado strikes.
Tornadoes can happen with little or no warning — and the strongest ones can bring winds topping 300 miles per hour, strong enough to rip homes from their foundations. If you don’t have a basement, you might wonder: Where should I go during a tornado?
Let’s talk about how to create a safe spot right in your apartment and stay protected during severe weather. A little preparation can make a big difference when it comes to apartment living and tornado safety.
Where to Take Shelter During a Tornado in Your Apartment
Apartment safety starts with knowing the best places to hunker down during a storm. Here are the top apartment tips to help you stay safe:
1. Get as Low as Possible
The safest place during a tornado is always the lowest level you can reach — a basement, the first floor, or a covered parking garage.
If you live on the ground floor of your apartment building, you’re already in a safer spot. If you’re on an upper floor, head down to the first floor immediately.
Don’t have access to a basement? See if a neighbor on a lower level can offer shelter, or find an interior stairwell and take cover under the stairs. Having a plan is a must for anyone living in apartments in Iowa City, where severe weather can pop up quickly.
2. Shelter Away from Windows
If you can’t get to the ground floor, the next best thing is an interior room away from windows. Flying glass and debris can cause serious injuries.
Good options for tornado shelter inside your apartment include:
- Interior closets
- Hallways
- Bathrooms (the plumbing structures help reinforce these spaces)
If you’re in a high-rise building, head for the center of the building — away from windows and exterior walls — until the tornado passes. This advice is especially important for residents looking at Iowa City rentals that may not have access to basements or ground-floor units.
What to Do During a Tornado Watch or Warning
When a tornado watch or warning is issued, your focus should shift to emergency preparedness and personal protection:
- Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Get into a bathtub, closet, or hallway and shield yourself with thick blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, or even a mattress.
- Wear a helmet if you have one — a bike helmet is great for extra head protection during storms.
- Consider wearing a mask or face covering to protect your lungs from dust and debris stirred up by the storm.
Even if you’re unsure how severe the storm will be, it’s always better to seek shelter quickly. Apartment living means you should know your closest safe spot ahead of time.
How to Spot a Tornado
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), staying alert is a big part of tornado safety. Watch and listen for:
- Strong, persistent cloud rotation
- Whirling dust or debris underneath a cloud base (even without a visible funnel)
- Heavy rain or hail followed by sudden calm, then intense winds
- A loud, continuous roar or rumble (different from a quick thunderclap)
- At night: Bright flashes near the ground (indicating snapped power lines)
- Persistent low-hanging clouds illuminated by lightning
Knowing these signs can help you act faster if a tornado is near your apartment community.
How to Prepare Ahead of Tornado Season
Emergency preparedness is crucial for apartment living, especially during tornado season.
Even if tornadoes are rare in your area, being ready is always smart:
- Practice tornado drills with your family or roommates.
- Talk to your apartment complex’s management to find out if there’s a designated storm shelter.
- Locate the nearest public tornado shelter and plan the quickest route there.
Putting together a basic emergency kit is another important step. Your tornado kit should include:
- A battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries
- Prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Baby supplies like formula and diapers if needed
If you’re searching for apartments in Iowa City, finding a community like Cambridge Place Apartments — where tornado preparedness and resident safety are taken seriously — adds an extra layer of peace of mind during storm season.
After the Tornado: Staying Safe
If your apartment complex has suffered tornado damage:
- Stay together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
- Watch out for broken glass, sharp debris, and unstable structures.
- Avoid downed power lines, and remember — anything nearby could be electrified.
- Only use flashlights, not matches or lighters, because of possible gas leaks.
- Stay calm and call for help as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Apartment safety and tornado preparedness go hand in hand. Whether you’re living in Iowa City rentals or new to apartment living, knowing these steps can make a huge difference when severe weather strikes.