The Department of Emergency Management protects communities by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters.

When a serious storm is expected in impact the area, local news media outlets will broadcast and publish evacuation directives to the public.

If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.

Listen to local officials for information about evacuation routes and shelters. Also, consider friends and family who live in safe areas.

Be sure to have a plan for your pets - most evacuation shelters allow service animals only, however, a separate pet shelter will open.

Take your emergency supply kit with you.

Check with neighbors who might need a ride.

TORNADOES

Know the terms:

Tornado WATCH: A tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor weather-alert radios and local radio and TV stations for information.

Tornado WARNING: A tornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by National Weather Service Doppler radar. When a warning is issued, take cover immediately.

Create a plan

Decide where you will go in case of a tornado warning. Include an emergency meeting place for your family.

Pick a safe room in your home:

Storm cellars or basements give the best protection

If an underground shelter is not available, go into a windowless interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.

If you are 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.

A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Go to a nearby sturdy building, or lie down in a ditch away from your home, covering your head with your hands. Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes.

IF YOU ARE AWAY FROM HOME, TAKE THESE STEPS:

Open buildings (shopping mall, gym or civic center): Try to get into a restroom or interior hallway. If there is no time, get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. Protect your head by covering it with your arms.

Cars and trucks: Get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter inside a sturdy building. A culvert or ditch can provide shelter if a substantial building is not nearby. Lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

LIGHTNING & THUNDERSTORMS

If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.

Know the terms:

Severe Thunderstorm WATCH: large hail, winds 58 mph or greater or a tornado are possible in your area in the next 3 to 6 hours.

Severe Thunderstorm WARNING: large hail, winds 58 mph or greater or a tornado are happening in your area or are about to happen.

Use the 30/30 rule:

If the time between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder is 30seconds or less, then lightning is close enough to strike you. Go inside immediately.

Wait inside until 30 minutes have passed since the last flash of lightning.

Create a plan:

Listen to local TV or radio for weather watches and warnings.

If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, go indoors and use the 30/30 rule.