Tornadoes can occur at any time in which thunderstorms produce enough energy to create conditions that are favorable for the developement of tornadoes. A TORNADO WATCH is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in the area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is the time to remind family members where the safest places in your home are located, and listen to the radio and/or television for further developements. A TORNADO WARNING is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety. Turn on a battery operated radio and wait for further instructions. BE PREPARED: Develop a plan - Keep supplies on hand; conduct tornado drills each season, designate an area of the home as a shelter and practice the family going there in response to a tornado threat. Discuss and ensure that every one knows the difference between a tornado watch and warning. Flashlight and extra batteries. Portable, battery operated radio with extra batteries. A First Aid kit with aid instructions. Emergency food and water, and a non-electric can opener. Essential medications. Cash and credit cards. Sturdy shoes. Have an emergency communication plan for use in case family members are separated from one another during a tornado. This plan would include "code words" for small children at school when a non-family member arrives to pick them up and have a relative or family friend living out of state to act as the family's contact. After a disaster it may be easier to call long distance. Ensure every one in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person. DURING A TORNADO: IF AT HOME: Go immediately to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get away from windows. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or a heavy table and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If you are in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere if possible. IF AT SCHOOL OR WORK: Go to the basement, or an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places with wide span roofs such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or a heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. IF OUTDOORS: If possible, get inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie face down in a ditch or low lying area or crouch near a sturdy building (It is preferable to use the ditch if availible) Be aware of the potential for flooding. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. IF IN A CAR: NEVER try to outdrive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and hurl it through the air. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie face down in a ditch or low lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding. AFTER A TORNADO: HELP INJURED OR TRAPPED PERSONS: Give first aid when appropriate. DO NOT try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury or death. Call for help. Turn on a radio or television to get the latest emergency information. Stay out of damaged buildings and return home only after being told it is safe to do so. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the building if you smell gas or chemical fumes. Take pictures of the damage- both to the house and its contents for insurance purposes. REMEMBER TO HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS WHO MAY REQUIRE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE - INFANTS, THE ELDERLY, AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.