• Stay safe when a tornado threatens by following tornado safety tips.Twister image by Isa from Fotolia.com
  
  A tornado can strike anywhere and at any time during severe weather. In North Carolina, tornadoes peak during the spring months--or March through May, according to the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. Keeping prepared for a possible tornado hit can save your life. No matter where you live, tornado drills must be learned and practiced regularly, just as you would with a fire drill, to ensure you and your family's preparedness in the event of a twister.
  
  

Weather Radio

• Use a weather radio to pick up severe weather and tornado warning messages.radio image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
  
  Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio capable of emitting a warning signal when the National Weather Service issues a severe weather watch or warning for your area of North Carolina. In lieu of a specialty weather radio, tune in to your local town's news station on the TV or radio, or a national weather station such as The Weather Channel.
  
  

Tornado Shelter

• Go to the lowest portion possible in a building, preferably a basement or storm cellar.cellar steps image by green308 from Fotolia.com
  
  Gather everyone in the home together to discuss what to do if a tornado warning is issued for your area. Ideally, go to a storm cellar or basement, which provides the best protection. Otherwise, choose an interior room, without windows, on the lowest level of the house. Mobile home dwellers should have a sturdy building with a foundation or storm cellar. Lacking a sturdy structure to hide in, mobile home dwellers or those caught on the road should leave their mobile home or car and go to the nearest ditch or culvert and hide inside the lowest portion possible. Cover the back of your neck with your hands, and curl your body into a tiny ball.
  
  

After the Tornado

• After a tornado passes, keep tuned to the weather radio, as several tornadoes can occur from a single batch of storms. Flash flooding may also occur. If your home had severe damage to incoming utility lines, turn off the water, gas or main power to the home until you can contact your utility company to repair or replace the lines.