Tornado Safety: Where to go in a Big Box Store?

THREE RIVERS, Mich -- An EF-2 Tornado with wind up to 130 mph hit the local Menard's store just before 4 p.m. Friday, while customers were inside. The roof ripped off and an exterior wall partially collapsed. 

ABC57 spoke with a man who was inside the store at the time, with his grandmother. He shares a harrowing account of debris flying everywhere, and staff members guiding them to a safer location.

Inherently, a Big Box Store is a less-safe place to be during a tornado. The wide-open space, long spanning roof and tall shelves leave those inside vulnerable. What should you do? Where should you go? 

The American Meteorological Society stresses the need for planning by management. 

• Follow Staff Instructions
• Find a more confined space like a bathroom, office or hallway
• Stay away from windows
• Stay away from large shelves and anything that could fall on your head. 

Finally, follow the forecast, changing your routine to avoid less-safe places on high-risk weather days could keep you safer.