How to Prepare for Fort Worth Tornado Season

Fort Worth, Texas, sits at the heart of Tornado Alley—a region notorious for its volatile spring and early summer weather patterns. Each year, the city experiences a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly between March and June. While meteorological technology has improved forecasting accuracy, the destructive power of tornadoes remains unpredictable. Preparing for tornado season is not optional—it’s essential for safeguarding lives, property, and community resilience. This comprehensive guide walks you through every critical step to ensure you and your household are ready when the sirens sound. From building an emergency kit to understanding local warning systems, this tutorial equips you with actionable, science-backed strategies tailored specifically to the Fort Worth metro area.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand Fort Worth’s Tornado Risk Profile

Before taking action, it’s vital to comprehend the nature of the threat. Fort Worth has experienced over 150 tornadoes since 1950, with several rated EF3 or higher. The most active months are April and May, when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cold fronts moving down from the north. Tornadoes in this region often form rapidly, sometimes with less than 15 minutes of warning. Unlike other parts of the country, many Fort Worth tornadoes occur in the late afternoon or evening, when families are at home and children are out of school. Understanding this pattern helps you prioritize preparation during high-risk hours.

Identify Your Home’s Vulnerability

Not all homes in Fort Worth are built the same. Older homes, especially those constructed before the 2000s, may lack reinforced walls, storm shutters, or safe rooms. Check your home’s construction: brick veneer homes offer more structural integrity than wood-frame homes with vinyl siding. Mobile homes and manufactured housing are especially vulnerable—residents in these dwellings should identify nearby community shelters well in advance. Use the Tarrant County GIS mapping tool to view flood zones and historical tornado tracks near your address. If your home lies within a known “tornado corridor”—such as along the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Fort Worth—your risk level is elevated.

Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan

During a tornado event, cell networks can become overloaded or damaged. Establish a clear communication protocol with all household members. Designate an out-of-town contact person everyone can call or text if separated. Choose one primary meeting spot outside your home—ideally a neighbor’s sturdy structure or a pre-identified landmark like a church or school. Practice this plan monthly with drills. Include children, elderly relatives, and pets in the rehearsal. Document contact numbers on paper and store them in your emergency kit, since power outages may disable smartphones.

Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit

Your emergency kit should sustain each household member for at least 72 hours. Include:

• One gallon of water per person per day (minimum three days’ supply)
• Non-perishable food: canned goods, energy bars, dried fruit, peanut butter
• Manual can opener and utensils
• Flashlights with extra batteries (avoid candles due to fire risk)
• First aid kit with prescription medications, bandages, antiseptic
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for sanitation
• Local maps and printed emergency contacts
• Blankets, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes
• Important documents: birth certificates, insurance policies, bank records in a waterproof container
• Chargers for phones and power banks
• Items for infants, elderly, or pets: formula, diapers, pet food, leashes

Store your kit in an easily accessible location—preferably a basement, interior closet, or storm shelter. Avoid garages or attics, which are prone to debris impact and temperature extremes.

Designate and Reinforce a Safe Room

A safe room is your last line of defense. The ideal location is a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor—such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Reinforce it with impact-resistant materials: install a storm shelter door rated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), add anchor bolts to walls, and secure heavy furniture to prevent movement. If you live in a home without a basement, consider installing a residential tornado safe room. Many Fort Worth residents qualify for cost-sharing grants through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) for this purpose. Never use a mobile home as shelter—evacuate to a sturdier building if possible.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Emergency Evacuation

While sheltering in place is preferred during tornado warnings, you may need to evacuate if you live in a mobile home or flood-prone area. Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full year-round. Store an emergency car kit: jumper cables, tire repair kit, bottled water, snacks, flashlight, reflective vest, and a portable radio. Never attempt to drive through flooded roads—six inches of water can float most vehicles. Know multiple escape routes from your neighborhood, and avoid low-lying areas and bridges during storms. Keep your vehicle keys and registration in your emergency kit.

Protect Your Property Before Storm Season

Physical damage from flying debris is the leading cause of injury during tornadoes. Secure outdoor items that can become projectiles: patio furniture, grills, trash cans, bicycles, and garden tools. Install impact-resistant windows or apply storm shutters. Trim trees and remove dead branches near your home. Reinforce garage doors—they are often the first point of structural failure. Consider installing a wind-resistant roof with metal fasteners and hurricane straps. Document your property with photos or video for insurance claims. Store this media in the cloud and on a USB drive in your emergency kit.

Sign Up for Local Alert Systems

Fort Worth uses the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system and the Tarrant County Alert system. Register your phone number at tarrantcounty.com/alert to receive real-time text and email notifications for tornado warnings, evacuation orders, and shelter locations. Download the NOAA Weather Radio app for live radar and voice alerts. Enable “Emergency Alerts” on your smartphone’s settings. Never rely solely on sirens—they are designed to be heard outdoors and may not penetrate buildings or be audible during high winds.

Teach Children and Elderly Family Members

Children may panic during a tornado. Use age-appropriate language to explain what to do: “When you hear the alarm, go to your safe spot and cover your head.” Practice drills at home using a toy tornado or a flashlight to simulate darkness. For elderly relatives with mobility issues, assign a family member to assist them during evacuation. Keep mobility aids, hearing devices, and oxygen tanks near the safe room. Install tactile warning devices—such as vibrating alert pillows—for those with hearing impairments.

Prepare for Power Outages and Utility Disruptions

Tornadoes frequently knock out electricity, water, and gas lines. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates. Store water in clean containers for drinking and sanitation. If you rely on electric medical equipment, notify your utility provider of your needs—they may prioritize your area for restoration. Have backup power solutions: a portable generator (used only outdoors and away from windows) or solar-powered chargers. Never use a gas stove or grill indoors to heat your home—carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer during extended outages.

Best Practices

Stay Informed Daily During Tornado Season

Don’t wait for a warning to act. Check the National Weather Service (NWS) Fort Worth/Dallas forecast daily between March and June. Subscribe to their email alerts and monitor the “Convective Outlook” map, which predicts severe weather potential days in advance. Avoid complacency—even a “marginal risk” day can produce a deadly tornado. Pay attention to the difference between a “watch” (conditions are favorable) and a “warning” (a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar). A warning means take action immediately.

Conduct Monthly Preparedness Drills

Just like fire drills, tornado drills should be routine. Set a recurring calendar reminder for the first Saturday of each month. Simulate a warning: turn off lights, activate your alarm, and have everyone move to the safe room within 30 seconds. Time your response and refine your process. Include pets in the drill—practice guiding them with treats or familiar commands. After each drill, review what worked and what didn’t. Did someone forget their medication? Was the emergency kit hard to reach? Adjust accordingly.

Know Your Community’s Shelter Locations

Fort Worth has over 40 public shelters designated during emergencies. These include public schools, community centers, and churches with reinforced structures. Find your nearest shelter using the City of Fort Worth’s Emergency Management map. Identify multiple options in case your primary shelter is inaccessible. Keep a printed list in your kit and share it with neighbors. Note that shelters may not accept pets—plan for pet-friendly alternatives or pre-arrange care with a nearby friend.

Support Your Neighbors

Community resilience begins with connection. Check in on elderly neighbors, single parents, and individuals with disabilities before storm season. Offer to help them secure their property or transport them to a shelter. Form a neighborhood alert network via WhatsApp or Nextdoor. Share information about storm prep, power outages, and damage assessments. In the aftermath of the 2019 Fort Worth tornado, neighbors who coordinated water distribution and debris removal recovered faster than isolated households.

Review and Update Insurance Coverage Annually

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover all tornado-related damage. Confirm your policy includes wind damage and debris removal. Consider adding “ordinance or law” coverage, which pays for upgrades required by building codes after damage. Document your belongings with a home inventory app or spreadsheet—include purchase dates, receipts, and serial numbers. Store this inventory in the cloud. If you live in a high-risk ZIP code (e.g., 76109, 76112, 76114), you may need separate windstorm insurance. Contact a licensed Texas insurance agent for a policy review.

Prepare for Post-Storm Hazards

After a tornado, dangers persist. Downed power lines, broken gas lines, contaminated water, and structural instability can cause secondary injuries. Wait for official “all-clear” announcements before leaving your shelter. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes when inspecting damage. Avoid using matches or lighters if you smell gas—turn off the main valve if safe to do so. Take photos of damage before cleaning up. Use caution around debris—sharp metal, glass, and nails are common. If your home is unsafe, do not re-enter. Contact local authorities for inspection.

Practice Mental and Emotional Preparedness

Tornadoes can cause lasting psychological trauma, especially in children. Talk openly about fears without minimizing them. Keep comforting items in your emergency kit: stuffed animals, books, or calming music. After a storm, limit exposure to graphic media. Encourage family members to express feelings and seek support from local mental health resources if anxiety persists. Fort Worth’s trauma response teams offer free counseling through community health centers—know where to find them before a crisis.

Tools and Resources

National Weather Service – Fort Worth/Dallas

The NWS provides real-time radar, forecast discussions, and tornado warnings tailored to North Texas. Visit weather.gov/dfw for interactive maps, watch/warning graphics, and historical storm data. Their “Impact Based Warning” system highlights the potential severity of approaching storms, helping you gauge urgency.

Tarrant County Emergency Management

The county’s website (tarrantcounty.com/emergency) offers downloadable preparedness checklists, shelter locations, evacuation routes, and multilingual resources. They also host free community workshops on tornado safety each spring.

NOAA Weather Radio

A dedicated NOAA Weather Radio receiver is one of the most reliable tools for receiving alerts during power outages. Look for models with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology, which allows you to program alerts only for your county. Popular brands include Midland and Reecom.

Storm Prediction Center (SPC)

For advanced users, the SPC’s daily outlooks (www.spc.noaa.gov) provide probabilistic forecasts for tornadoes, hail, and wind. The “Convective Outlook” uses categories from “Marginal” to “High Risk”—understanding these levels helps you prepare proportionally.

Smartphone Apps

• Weather Underground – Real-time radar with storm tracking and alerts
• MyRadar – Animated radar loops and tornado path predictions
• FEMA App – Shelter locators, safety tips, and disaster recovery resources
• AlertSWIFT – Official Tarrant County alert system app

Local Community Organizations

Organizations like the American Red Cross of North Texas and Fort Worth Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) offer free training in first aid, fire safety, and search-and-rescue techniques. CERT volunteers are often the first to assist after storms and can connect you with local resources.

Home Safety Assessment Tools

Use the FEMA P-320 guide to evaluate your home’s ability to withstand high winds. It includes diagrams for reinforcing walls, doors, and roofs. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) also provides a free online “Resilient Home” checklist.

Emergency Kit Checklists

Download the CDC’s 72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist or the Texas Department of State Health Services’ “Be Ready” guide. Both are available in Spanish and offer printable templates for inventory tracking.

Real Examples

The May 2019 Fort Worth Tornado Outbreak

On May 24, 2019, a series of tornadoes struck the northern suburbs of Fort Worth, including North Richland Hills and Grapevine. One EF3 tornado caused extensive damage to the Northpark Center area. Homes were destroyed, vehicles thrown hundreds of feet, and power lines downed across multiple neighborhoods. However, thanks to early warnings and preparedness efforts, there were no fatalities. Residents who had practiced drills, stored emergency kits, and identified safe rooms reported feeling calmer and acted faster. One family in Keller credited their preparedness for saving their 7-year-old child, who knew exactly where to go and what to do when the sirens sounded.

The 2013 El Reno Tornado and Its Lessons for Fort Worth

Although the infamous EF5 tornado that struck El Reno in 2013 occurred outside Fort Worth, its impact was felt statewide. That tornado was exceptionally large and erratic, catching even experienced storm chasers off guard. In response, the NWS revised its warning protocols, emphasizing the need for immediate shelter even if a tornado appears distant. Fort Worth emergency managers adopted these lessons, improving their warning dissemination and public education campaigns. Today, warnings include phrases like “Tornado emergency: life-threatening situation” to convey urgency.

A Senior Citizen’s Survival Story: Mrs. Eleanor Ruiz, Fort Worth

At 82, Mrs. Ruiz lived alone in a single-story home in the 76111 ZIP code. She had no basement and relied on a small interior bathroom as her safe room. After attending a TDEM community workshop, she installed a reinforced door, kept her emergency kit stocked with medications and a battery-powered fan, and programmed her phone to receive alerts. When a tornado warning was issued in April 2022, she followed her routine: closed the blinds, turned on her radio, and sat on the floor with her blanket and water. The tornado passed within two blocks. Her home suffered minor roof damage, but she was unharmed. “I didn’t panic,” she said. “I knew what to do because I practiced.”

The Role of Schools and Churches

After the 2015 tornado in Mansfield, Fort Worth-area schools implemented mandatory tornado drills twice a year. Many churches with basements or reinforced fellowship halls now serve as official shelters during storms. One church in Haltom City converted its storage room into a FEMA-certified safe room with funding from a state grant. It now serves over 200 residents during severe weather. These community hubs are critical in neighborhoods where individual homes lack safe spaces.

FAQs

How often do tornadoes occur in Fort Worth?

Fort Worth averages 3 to 5 tornadoes per year, with the majority occurring between March and June. Some years see multiple tornadoes in a single day, especially during active cold front passages.

Is it safe to stay in a mobile home during a tornado warning?

No. Mobile homes offer virtually no protection against tornado-force winds. If you live in a mobile home, identify a nearby sturdy building or community shelter and evacuate immediately upon a warning.

What should I do if I’m caught outside during a tornado?

If you’re outdoors with no shelter nearby, lie flat in a low-lying area like a ditch, covering your head with your hands. Avoid trees, cars, and bridges. Do not seek shelter under an overpass—it can become a wind tunnel.

Do tornadoes only happen during the day?

No. While many tornadoes form in the late afternoon, nighttime tornadoes are especially dangerous because they’re harder to see and people are less alert. Always have a reliable alert system.

Can I rely on sirens to warn me of a tornado?

No. Sirens are designed to alert people outdoors. They may not be heard indoors, especially with windows closed or during high winds. Always use multiple alert methods: phone notifications, radio, and apps.

Should I open my windows during a tornado to equalize pressure?

No. This is a dangerous myth. Opening windows wastes valuable time and increases injury risk from flying glass. Seek shelter immediately instead.

What if my power goes out during a tornado warning?

Use your battery-powered radio to receive updates. Do not light candles. Use flashlights. Keep your emergency kit accessible and charge your phone before storms hit.

Can I bring my pet to a public shelter?

Most public shelters do not allow pets due to health regulations. Plan ahead by identifying pet-friendly shelters or arranging care with a neighbor. Keep your pet’s carrier, food, and medical records in your emergency kit.

How long should I wait after a tornado warning is lifted before going outside?

Wait for the official “all-clear” from local authorities. Multiple tornadoes can occur in the same system. Even if the sky looks calm, dangerous conditions may persist.

Are tornadoes becoming more frequent in Fort Worth due to climate change?

Research suggests that while the total number of tornadoes may not be increasing, the frequency of outbreaks with multiple tornadoes is rising. Warmer temperatures and increased moisture in the atmosphere contribute to more unstable storm conditions. Preparation is more critical than ever.

Conclusion

Preparing for tornado season in Fort Worth is not about fear—it’s about empowerment. Every step you take, from building a kit to practicing drills, reduces risk and increases your chances of emerging unharmed. The storms may be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. By understanding your environment, securing your home, staying informed, and connecting with your community, you transform vulnerability into resilience. Tornadoes will come again. But with the knowledge and tools outlined in this guide, you won’t be caught off guard. Start today. Review your plan. Test your alerts. Talk to your family. The time to prepare is before the sirens sound—not after.