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Develop a severe weather action plan and have frequent drills,
Each school should be inspected and tornado shelter areas designated by a registered engineer or architect. Basements offer the best protection. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor and away from windows.
Those responsible for activating the plan should monitor weather information from local radio/television.
If the school's alarm system relies on electricity, have a compressed air horn or megaphone to activate the alarm in case of power failure.
Make special provisions for disabled students and those in portable classrooms.
Make sure someone knows how to turn off electricity and gas in the event the school is damaged.
Keep children at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather is expected. Children are safer at school than in a bus or car. Students should not be sent home early if severe weather is approaching.
Lunches or assemblies in large rooms should be delayed if severe weather is anticipated. Gymnasiums, cafeterias, and auditoriums offer no protection from tornado-strength winds.
Move students quickly into interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floor.
Have them assume the tornado protection position (shown at right).

So what:
How can we prepare for the devastation of tornadoes?
At home: In preparation for a tornado: Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and when outdoors. Have frequent drills. Know the county/parish in which you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins. Have a radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings. Listen to the news or radio and television for information. If planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.	At school: You should have/do: Develop a severe weather action plan and have frequent drills, Each school should be inspected and tornado shelter areas designated by a registered engineer or architect. Basements offer the best protection. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor and away from windows. Those responsible for activating the plan should monitor weather information from local radio/television. If the school's alarm system relies on electricity, have a compressed air horn or megaphone to activate the alarm in case of power failure. Make special provisions for disabled students and those in portable classrooms. Make sure someone knows how to turn off electricity and gas in the event the school is damaged. Keep children at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather is expected. Children are safer at school than in a bus or car. Students should not be sent home early if severe weather is approaching. Lunches or assemblies in large rooms should be delayed if severe weather is anticipated. Gymnasiums, cafeterias, and auditoriums offer no protection from tornado-strength winds. Move students quickly into interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floor. Have them assume the tornado protection position (shown at right).
Hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions should develop a similar plan

So what: