It's Tornado Season!

Tornado season is officially here! It hasn't started out with a bang like last year, but it's still very important to plan ahead to protect your homes and families.

Here are some facts about storms...

They may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines.

Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time.

Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe - one that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado.

Being prepared for a storm can not only help keep your family safe, it can also help minimize potential damage and accelerate recovery efforts. Learn how to deal with a storm, both before and after it happens, right now.

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

- Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

- "If thunder roars, go indoors" because no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. We want everyone to stay indoors until 30 minutes have passed after they hear the last clap of thunder.

The following are guidelines for what you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:

- Postpone outdoor activities.

- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible).

- Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

- Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.

- Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.

- Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.

- Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

- Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

Avoid the following:

- Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

- Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.

- Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

- Anything metal-tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

Source: WWW.FEMA.GOV