Taking steps to be prepared for a weather emergency can save valuable time when a severe storm occurs.  Stay advised of a storm’s progress by monitoring the weather on radio, television or a weather Internet site.

The following is basic information to help you become better prepared.  Web sites such as the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency provide detailed information and checklists for preparing for major weather emergencies.

Identify a safe place in the house and make sure all family members, especially children, know to go there in the event of a severe storm warning.

If you live in a house, the safest place in the event of a severe storm with high winds and tornado warnings is on the lowest level, preferably the basement.  Choose a small room away from windows, such as a closet, hallway or bathroom.  Stay near the center of the house to put as many walls as possible between you and high winds.  Close any doors in the room.  If the safest room is the first floor bathroom, take a mattress or some cushions and get in a tub putting the mattress or cushions over your head for protection.

If you live in a mobile home, identify a nearby shelter to go to in the event of a severe weather threat.  If a tornado warning is sounded, get out immediately and go to a nearby shelter or the basement of a nearby building.  If there is no time to get to a shelter, lie flat in a ditch, culvert or other low-lying area and cover your head with your arms and hands.  Do not try to flee a tornado in a vehicle.

If you are caught outdoors, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy structure or building or lie flat in a ditch, culvert or low-lying area and cover your head with your arms and hands.  Do not remain in a vehicle during high winds or a tornado.  Immediately get out and lie flat in the lowest nearby area, protecting your head with your arms and hands. 

Conduct periodic drills, so everyone remembers what to do when severe weather is approaching.  Stress the importance of staying calm. Also, you might want to keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle, especially during storm seasons, just in case.