What If You're Woken Up by a Tornado Warning? Here's How to Be Ready

Picture this: You and your family are sound asleep when your phones suddenly start going off. You hear distant sirens wailing. Groggy and disoriented, it takes a moment to register—you’re under a tornado warning. You have only minutes to act.

You need to gather everyone in your home, grab the essentials, and get to shelter—fast. But instead of frantically searching for shoes, medications, or a flashlight in the middle of the night, imagine simply reaching for a go-bag that’s already packed and waiting.

It’s a small step that could save your life.

Why Nighttime Tornadoes Are So Dangerous

There’s nothing more disorienting than being jolted awake at 2 a.m. by a tornado warning blaring from your phone or weather radio. In those critical first seconds, panic can easily take over, especially if you're not already prepared. That’s why planning ahead is so important. Here's how to be ready before the warning ever comes.

1. Have a Plan Before You Go to Sleep

Make safety part of your nightly routine:

Identify your safe space (basement, storm shelter, or interior room with no windows).

Share your emergency plan with everyone in your household.

Charge your phone and keep a flashlight within reach.

Set weather alerts to loud—you want to be woken up if there’s danger.

2. Pack a Nighttime Go-Bag

You won’t have time to think. Keep a small go-bag near your bed with essentials such as:

Flashlight & extra batteries

NOAA weather radio

Portable charger

First-aid kit

Water & snacks

Important documents (in a waterproof pouch)

Sturdy shoes

Spare keys, medications, and wallet

Blanket or jacket

Whistle or air horn (in case you're trapped)

Once packed, store it somewhere accessible but out of the way, ready for when you need it.

3. Special Considerations for Families

If you have kids, pets, or elderly family members:

Keep shoes and a flashlight by every bed.

Pre-pack items like baby formula, pet food, or medical supplies.

Include a comfort item for young children to reduce fear during a storm.

4. Practice Emergency Drills

Run quick nighttime tornado drills a couple times a year. Familiarity saves precious time in an emergency, especially when everyone is half-asleep.

5. Stay Informed While You Sleep

Early warning is everything. Here’s how to stay alert:

Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone.

Use a NOAA Weather Radio with SAME code programming.

Preparedness Saves Lives

Tornadoes don’t wait until morning—and they certainly don’t give you time to pack. A little planning today means your family can act quickly and confidently when seconds matter most.

Pack your bag. Set your alerts. Be storm-ready, day or night.