A J.C. Hart Apartment Community in Fishers, IN

Severe Weather Safety: How To Prepare For A Tornado In An Apartment In Fishers

October 07, 2025
Penrose on Mass exterior during a bright sunny day.

If you live in the Midwest, you can anticipate extreme weather annually. Odds are, your region will even face a tornado warning at certain times. While most people know how to shelter in a house when tornado sirens go off, the guidance for individuals in apartments is not as clear. In case you don’t have a basement to retreat to, here’s how to prepare for a tornado in an apartment in Fishers.

Tornado Sirens? Where To Take Shelter In Your Apartment Building

A bathroom with a shower on the left and towel rack and abstract artwork on the right. Then facing an open walk in closet with shelving and hangers

When the tornado alarms go off outside your Fishers apartment, where should you seek shelter? Few apartments have basements. You may even reside on the top floor.

While few tornadoes are strong enough to destroy a sturdy apartment building, smaller ones can still send objects through windows, tear away roofs, or rip out trees. You must seek shelter during tornado warnings or strong winds in one of these spots:

  • The sub-level of an underground parking garage
  • The ground floor of your apartment building, and far from windows
  • A ground-floor neighbor’s apartment
  • Interior hallways or stairwells with no windows
  • A windowless room or closet of your apartment
  • Below a sturdy table
  • Within the bathtub with a thick blanket as protection

When you hunker down, put on a bike helmet or cover your head with a thick pillow for added protection.

Prepare Ahead Of Time For Severe Weather

A contemporary apartment kitchen, dining room, and entryway

The best way to prepare for a tornado in your apartment in Fishers is to keep up with weather alerts and plan in advance. Your plan needs to incorporate emergency supplies if you are confined to your home or have to depart quickly. Choose a specific place to keep your emergency kit and include the following:

  • Battery-powered radio
  • Flashlight
  • Additional batteries
  • Extra set of house and car keys
  • Smartphone charger
  • Cash
  • Medical kit
  • Photocopy of your driver’s license
  • Shelf-stable snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Essential medications
  • Pet supplies

Examine your supplies at six-month intervals to make sure they still work, and replenish the water and food items. When you are in a tornado warning, take shoes and appropriate clothing with you when taking cover.

Strong winds can easily take out utility lines in your area. For power failures, keep these items on hand:

  • Shelf-stable food that you don’t need to cook
  • Battery-powered lights
  • A power bank for charging your smartphone

When you’re fully prepped, you’ll weather any situation better and feel more reassured.

What Not To Do During A Tornado

Most people believe it won’t happen to them. You can reduce the risk of bodily harm or worse during a tornado by playing it smart. Take cover immediately and don’t

  • Ride an elevator during a tornado
  • Look out the window
  • Stand outdoors
  • Take shelter under shelves, heavy decor, or tall furnishings

Make The Hamilton Your Home Regardless Of The Weather!

We can’t stop storms from happening, but we can provide an outstanding apartment lifestyle at The Hamilton Luxury Apartment Homes! You’ll feel right at home in one of our roomy apartments surrounded by life-enhancing amenities in a beautiful community. Contact 317-900-4375 or schedule a tour to explore why we’re a preferred place to come home to in Fishers.