Tornadoes have been reported in every state. And while they generally occur during spring and summer, they can happen anytime during the year. With winds swirling at 200 miles on hour or more, a tornado can destroy just about anything in its path. 

Generally, there are weather signs and warnings that will alert you to take precautions.

Be prepared by having various family members do each of the items on the checklist below. Then get together to discuss and finalize your Family Disaster Plan. 

Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is heeded your way.  It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bath-room, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

If you ore in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.  Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble o Disaster Supplies Kit containing:

First aid kit and essential medications

Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

Canned food and can opener

Bottled water

Sturdy shoes and work gloves

Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your home's utilities.

Conduct periodic tornado drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.

Stay tuned for storm warnings

Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means

A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.

A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.

Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.

When a tornado WATCH is issued

Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.

Be alert to changing weather conditions.

Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a tornado warning is issued.

If you ore inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.

If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.

If you are in a car or mobile home get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the tornado passes.

Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.

Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.

For further information on tornadoes contact

National Weather Service, or Emergency Management Agency.

Information obtained from NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency