Know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds and practice a family tornado drill, especially when small children are involved. Get in the basement under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refridgerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you. Be sure to have a radio or a NOAH Weather Radio, as well as a communication device like a cell phone. Have a predetermined place to meet when it is safe.
In a structure with no basement, go to the lowest floor. Seek shelter in a small center room or interior hallway. Even in an interior room you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding to protect against falling debris. Try to avoid windows. If you are in a mobile home, leave immediately and seek safe shelter. If safe shelter cannot be located, find a depression and lie flat covering your head with your arms.
Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If in the open country lie flat and face down, protecting the back of your head with your arms.