Texas is no stranger state to tornado season. Harsh winds and devastating hail storms threaten the lives of people along with their valuable possessions.

On Tuesday, April 26, the Great Plains were struck by several storms that leveled homes and destroyed several buildings.

ABC News reported winds as strong as 70 mph swept through Texas leaving behind uprooted trees and cities without power. Some states reported hail as wide as 4 inches in diameter causing damage to their vehicles and homes. Storms similar to this one, if not stronger, are expected to strike again in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana on Friday, April 29.

The peak of tornado season is from late April to early June, while hurricane season begins June 1 and extends through November 30. This time period leaves Texas vulnerable to several attacks from mother nature with little time to recover before the next hit. When severe thunderstorms or tornadoes strike, it’s extremely important to know what to do to stay safe. American Red Cross has a list of things to do in order to stay safe.

First, it’s important to identify the difference between a watch and a warning.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

These are some of the items to take care of before any storm hits your area:

• Learn all the methods to receive information about the storm.
• Discuss safety measures with every member of your household.
• Look for a safe place in your home. This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.
• Keep your animals safe. Bring all domesticated animals indoors and make sure that all animals kept in a separate building have the same structure protection as your home.
• Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies
• Put together an emergency preparedness kit that includes:

̶    Water—one gallon per person, per day
̶    Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare
̶    Flashlight
̶̶    Extra batteries
̶    First aid kit
̶    Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items
̶    Multi-purpose tool
̶    Sanitation & personal hygiene items
̶    Copies of personal documents
̶    Cell phone with chargers
̶    Family & emergency contact information
̶    Extra cash
̶    Download your local news app on your phone

Once the storm hits and the situation becomes more of a risk, make sure to have the proper knowledge on how to act in that situation:

• Listen to your local news broadcaster through any means.
• Refrain from going outside and cancel any outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
• If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take cover in a nearby shelter. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.

Stay indoors and keep a close eye on your local news broadcast. With the storms coming in this Friday, it’s important to make sure that all precautionary measures are taken to prevent any avoidable incidents.