Tornado Safety in Illinois: The Right Way to Take Shelter

You know it's tornado season in Illinois, right?  Let's figure out how to really take shelter.

The weather is going crazy this month.  One day it's 75 degrees, the next it's raining, hailing, and super cold.  It's just part of spring around here.  At least it's not snowing!

Related: Only One State Had Worse Tornado Weather Than Illinois In 2025

When tornado season rolls in, it's a good reminder that there's actually a right way to take cover when a warning is issued.

The safest place to go during a tornado warning is the lowest level of your home, ideally the basement.  If you have one (you probably do if you live in Illinois), that's your best bet.  The key is to get into a small interior room away from windows, like a storage area, bathroom or a spot under the stairs.  The goal is to put as many walls between you and the outside a possible.

I recently went down to my basement figuring out where I'd go if the sirens started going off. Turns out I've got a couple options down there that would work!  They're kinda scary rooms and filled with spiders, but I know the walls will probably save my life if a tornado tore through my house!  If it came between spiderwebs and flying debris, I'd take spiderwebs any day.

Read More: Rainy Weather in Illinois? Here’s How to Make the Most of It

Another thing I recommend is having a few basics ready in your shelter area.  Things like flashlights, blankets, non-perishable foods, a generator, and even a radio if the power goes out.  Hopefully, most storms just end with some heavy rain and loud thunder.  But when you live in Illinois, it's always smart to have a plan!