Trucking is a dangerous job. Truckers face threats every time they get behind the wheel that are out of their control, including reckless drivers, unmaintained roads, wildlife, and weather. The latter changes with the seasons – bringing snowstorms and ice in the winter and severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the summer.

Tornado season across the United States varies a bit depending on the region, but generally tornados are most active in the Spring and Summer months. With the central plains portion of the country being referred to as Tornado Alley, it’s an area known for experiencing the perfect atmospheric conditions for tornados.

However, tornadoes are the most unpredictable of the weather threats and can occur outside of this time frame or geographic region. A trucker caught in a tornado is facing a life-and-death situation. In that moment, it’s important to have a general emergency plan to call on.

1. Plan, plan, plan
   Trip planning is one of the most important things a driver can do, and it should never be skipped. If you know you will be traveling in a tornado-prone area, especially during tornado season, check the weather reports and radar before your trip.
   
   Keep a radio tuned to a weather station and have your CB turned up to stay informed if conditions change. Use a site like NOAA’s National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center to stay updated.
    
2. Keep emergency supplies
   You should always travel with an emergency kit, but especially during tornado season. Keep first-aid supplies in it, a flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs, a portable power bank, extra water bottles, nonperishable food items, blankets, warning triangles, a warning flag, a few candles and matches.
    
3. Avoid overpasses
   You might think that going under an overpass will be protective, but it is one of the worst things you can do. The wind will create a vacuum that can suck you out of the shelter, and the wind vortex will cause debris to be thrown at you more.
    
4. If there’s time, look for a shelter
   If you’re in a well-populated area and there is time, get off at the closest exit and find a shelter to run into. This should be your first plan of action. This is also where trip planning can be helpful. If there’s a chance of unstable conditions on your route, think about places that could be good to stop in an emergency.
    
5. Get into a low-lying area
   If you can’t make it to a shelter, get out of your truck and into a ditch or ravine and cover your head. This tip is typically debated, but it is the recommended course of action from the National Weather Service.
    
6. Get down and cover your head
   As a last resort, remain in your truck and get as low as possible and cover your head. Cover your head with either your hands or an in-cab mattress if one is available.
    
7. After the storm
   Firstly, if you are seriously injured, seek immediate medical attention by dialing 911. If it is smaller wounds like little cuts, attend to them immediately.
   
   Ensure the storm has cleared before exiting your shelter. Keep your weather alerts on if you still have access to them, in case another storm develops.
   
   When it is safe to leave your shelter, check on any other individuals nearby. Help how you can, but never risk injuring yourself in the process and causing more issues for emergency responders.
   
   Call your dispatcher and company to let them know what happened when you have cell signal. Then call your loved ones to let them know you are safe.
   
   Assess your truck when it is safe. Record any damage with photos/videos if you can. Work with your company to determine if it is safe to drive the truck again. If you are an owner/operator, you will need to make that call and contact the load's owner.
   
   If you need to take time to recover mentally, that is also important. You just lived through something traumatic. Even if you aren’t physically injured and your truck is in good shape, consider taking at least the rest of the day/night off from driving if your company/load owner allows it.

Hopefully, you will never find yourself in a tornado's path, whether you are trucking or otherwise. But it’s important to always have a game plan in case you find yourself in a severe weather emergency.

Have any other tips or experiences to share? Please do so in the comments below.