Are You Ready for The Next Twister?

Bloomington, Illinois.—With the arrival of spring comes the threat of severe weather and dangerous tornadoes that can strike without warning. Did you know:

* More than 1000 tornadoes occur each year. At least 20 of those will be violent.
* Tornadoes are most likely to strike between 5-7 p-m.
* May and June have the most tornado activity, followed by April, July and September.

(according to the National Climatic Data Center)

State Farm wants you to take the time to prepare your family and home for the possibility of a tornado or severe storm. The best thing to do is arm yourself with information and develop a plan for when weather turns dangerous.

Tornado Preparedness

* Learn the warning signals used in your community. If a siren sounds, that means stay inside and take cover.
* Consider setting up a neighborhood information program through a club, church group or community group. Hold briefings on safety procedures. Set up a system to make sure senior citizens and shut-ins are alerted if there is a tornado warning.
* Put together an emergency storm kit including a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, bottled water and simple first-aid items.
* Conduct drills with your family in the home; make sure each member knows the correct procedures if they are at work or school when a tornado hits.
* Make a complete inventory of your possessions for insurance purposes.

Tornado Watch simply means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. In this case you should be alert to changes in the weather and take precautions to protect your family and property.

* Move cars inside a garage or carport. Keep your car keys, house keys and cell phone with you.
* Move lawn furniture and yard equipment such as lawnmowers inside if time permits.
* Account for family members at home.
* Have your emergency storm kit ready.
* Keep your radio or TV tuned into the weather reports.

Tornado Warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted. Tornadoes can be deadly and devastating storms, with winds up to 260 miles per hour. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately! During a tornado the safest place to be is a basement, preferably under something sturdy like a work bench. If there’s no basement or cellar in your home, a small room in the middle of house -- like a bathroom or a closet -- is best. The more walls between you and the outside, the better.