Tornado tips: How to stay safe before, during and after the storm

While spring and summer often bring us the most beautiful weather of the year, they also bring the highest threat of tornadoes. These powerful storms should never be taken lightly, as they can be life-threatening and cause severe property damage.

In 2011, a rash of extremely destructive tornadoes has taken hundreds of lives throughout the United States. Equipping yourself with knowledge of how to react to the threat of a tornado is important, no matter where you live.

If a tornado is headed your way, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm. If you can do that, you'll be able to react wisely and keep yourself and your family safe. Keep these other tips in mind throughout tornado season, and learn them as a family so that everyone knows what to do in case a storm comes through your area.

* Tornado watches vs. tornado warnings. It can be easy to confuse a tornado watch and a tornado warning, but it's important to know the difference. A tornado watch means that conditions are right to produce a storm - so meteorologists are watching for them. A warning means that a tornado has been seen, either on the radar or from the ground. If a watch is issued, be prepared to take shelter; if a warning is issued, you should take shelter immediately.

* Taking shelter at home. An essential part of tornado safety is knowing where to go when it's time to take shelter. If your home has a basement, you should go down into it. If possible, go under a sturdy table and/or cover yourself with something that will protect you from falling debris, such as a mattress or a sleeping bag. Think about where heavy objects are on the floor above you and do not position yourself under them. If your home does not have a basement, go to a small, windowless room or a stairwell positioned in the center of the ground floor of your house. Cover yourself with a mattress or other protection from falling debris and crouch as low to the floor as possible, covering your head with your hands.

* Taking shelter on the road. Driving during a tornado is dangerous, but if you are on the road when the warning is issued or a storm is sighted, it's important to know what to do. Whenever possible, pull over safely and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If there are no buildings around, pull over to the side of the road and go to low ground well away from vehicles. Lie flat, face down and protect your head with your arms. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can cause traffic hazards.

* After the storm. Always stay together with your family. If damage has been done to the building, get out carefully, without panicking. As you exit, and if you continue to walk around, avoid stepping on broken glass, nails and other sharp objects. It's important to stay away from power lines and any wiring, which could still be carrying electricity. If people are injured, help them carefully and wait for emergency personnel to come to the scene. Avoid using lighters or matches, as broken gas lines could be releasing highly flammable gas.

Tornadoes can strike anywhere, so it's essential for everyone to know how to stay safe. Teach your kids to always heed tornado watches, warnings and sirens and make sure that everyone in the family understands the importance of staying together during the storm.