A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often, although not always, visible as a funnel cloud.

Tornadoes can strike in any season but occur most often in the spring and summer months. About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk.

Most injuries and fatalities from tornadoes are caused by being struck or cut by falling or wind-borne debris. When a tornado threatens, your goal is to go to the safest place for protection before the tornado hits and to take additional measures for personal cover.

Now is time to make sure you have the tools needed to best protect you, your loved ones and colleagues should a tornado cross your path.

To begin, it’s important to first build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Having the right protection plan in place is the first step toward surviving a tornado, as well as any other disaster.

In preparation for a tornado, you should take the following additional measures:

• Practice moving quickly to the protective locations in the places where you spend a lot of time.

• Practice first aid skills and emergency response actions through training classes.

• Store the supplies you may need after the tornado passes.

• Store the important documents you will need to start your recovery.

• Discuss what you have done to prepare with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

• Discuss with community leaders how your community can reduce risk.

With your protection plan in place, you can now focus on the warning signs of a tornado. This will give you the critical time needed to get protected. Pay attention to weather reports and sign up for text alerts and smartphone apps that provide weather warnings.

For additional information, tips, checklists, and preparedness tool kits click here!