What part of the basement should you shelter in when a tornado is coming?

The National Weather Service says the safest place to be in your basement during a tornado is under something. Anything sturdy and strong, such as a staircase, will provide an additional layer of protection from flying debris.

A myth exists that implies that a basement's southwest corner is the safest place to be; this is simply not true. This myth suggests that most tornadoes approach from the southwest, causing debris to land on the opposite side of the basement; however, tornadic winds don't blow in a straight line. Use pillows, blankets or anything else that offers some type of protection from flying debris.