Every state in the U.S. has experienced tornadoes and severe weather, and although some more than others, everyone is at risk. You can take steps to prepare for when severe weather strikes in your area.

Before

• Continually monitor the media – Be aware of storm's which could impact your area.
• Know what type of severe weather is common for your area.
• Know where to shelter (basement, interior room, bathroom, closet, etc).
• Know how to shut off utilities including electric, water and gas, to your home.

During

• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
• Heed shelter or evacuation requests made by officials.
• Gather family members, bring pets indoors and have your emergency supply kit ready.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths.

After

• Stay off roads to allow emergency crews to clear roads and provide emergency assistance.
• Use care around downed power lines. Assume a downed wire is a live wire.
• Watch out for overhead hazards such as broken tree limbs, wires and other debris.
• Listen to media reports and/or local authorities about whether your community water supply is safe to drink and other instructions.
• Take photographs/videos of damage as soon as possible. Contact your insurance company to file a claim.

Source: U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency