What should you do when you see a tornado?

If the twister is far away, that is like 10 miles or so, raise the alarm. Call 911 and tell the dispatcher you would like to report a tornado and give coordinates if possible. Chances are that the NWS already detected it on their radar; they will know exactly where it is. There are classes on how to be a trained spotter and it helps if you take one of these if possible.

If the twister is in your general vicinity, say 5 miles or so from where you are, grab everyone that you can and head immediately to shelter in a basement, a cellar, or other place with as much in between you and the tornado as possible. Then call 911 and report the tornado.

If the twister is in your immediate vicinity aka within the city block IMMEDIATELY TAKE WHATEVER SHELTER YOU CAN FIND. Time is of the essense. Protect your head with your hands and take shelter in anyplace that is not a mobile home, a car, etc. Now is not the time to head outside and whip out your camera phone.

After it passes, be alert for gas leaks and downed power lines, tend to whomever has injuries, and be alert for a possible second tornado.