Tornado Safety: What You Need to Know Before the Sirens Sound
Last week, a tornado developed near Rocky Mountain House, and tornado watches were alerted across the province. A stark reminder that severe weather can form quickly, close to home, and with little warning. The video below was captured by Associated Ambulance staff member Paul Hansen. At Associated Ambulance, we respond to the aftermath of severe weather events, but our real goal is helping you avoid becoming part of that aftermath in the first place.
Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe.
Know the Difference: Watch vs. Warning
Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Stay alert, monitor the weather, and review your safety plan.
Tornado Warning – A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take shelter immediately. This is not the time to wait and see.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Tornadoes can develop fast, sometimes with little formal warning. Watch for:
A dark, greenish sky
A large, low-lying, dark cloud (especially one that appears to be rotating)
Large hail, often preceding a tornado
A loud roar, similar to a freight train
Debris falling from the sky, even when the funnel isn’t visible
If you notice these signs, don’t wait for an official alert. Start taking shelter.
Where to Go When a Tornado Threatens
If you’re at home: Go to the basement if you have one. No basement? Choose an interior room on the lowest floor (a bathroom, closet, or hallway) away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Cover yourself with a mattress, blankets, or heavy furniture if possible.
If you’re at work or in a public building: Move to a designated shelter area or an interior room on the lowest floor. Avoid large, open spaces like gymnasiums, cafeterias, or auditoriums (their roofs are more likely to fail under high winds).
If you’re in a vehicle: Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. If you can safely reach a sturdy building, do so. If not, get out of the vehicle and lie flat in a low-lying area, such as a ditch, covering your head with your arms.
If you’re outdoors with no shelter nearby: Get as low as possible in a ditch or depression and protect your head and neck. Avoid trees, vehicles, and anything that could become airborne debris.
Never shelter under an overpass or bridge. It can act like a wind tunnel and increase your risk.
After the Tornado Passes
Stay away from downed power lines and damaged buildings.
Watch for broken glass, exposed nails, and other debris hazards.
Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra help (older adults, people with disabilities, or families with young children).
If someone is injured, call 911 immediately. Don’t move anyone with a suspected serious injury unless they’re in immediate danger.
Build Your Plan Before You Need It
The best time to prepare is before severe weather hits, not during it. Take a few minutes today to:
Identify your safe shelter location at home, work, and anywhere else you spend regular time.
Put together an emergency kit with water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and any essential medications.
Make sure your phone can receive emergency weather alerts.
Talk through the plan with your family so everyone knows what to do without hesitation.
Severe weather in Alberta isn’t going anywhere, and events like the one near Rocky Mountain House are a good reminder that preparation matters. A few minutes spent planning today could make all the difference when it counts.
Associated Ambulance is committed to keeping our communities safe, informed, and prepared before, during, and after emergencies.