The tornado season is here in full force, with nearly 100 tornadoes spotted during one day this past week in the Midwest region of the United States.

One person was killed and another injured after heavy winds struck a mobile home in Winchester on May 24.  Ada Ruth White, 63, was killed in the incident when her mobile home collapsed.  On the same night, the city of Jacksonville overall suffered an estimated $3 million worth of damages after a tornado struck the community.

It seems each year, a tornado or severe windstorm strikes the heartland, and in turn, homes are damaged or destroyed and people left dead.

These are some tips provided by the American Red Cross on how to prepare for tornadoes:

• Create and practice a home tornado plan. Pick an uncluttered place where family members can seek shelter: a basement, a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.  Also remember to pay attention to storm warnings.
• Avoid windows if you have to remain within the house.
• In an office building, go to a windowless area in the center of the building, away from glass.
• In a mobile home, get out!  Even if the home is tied down, you are better off.  If there is a sturdy permanent building within easy access, go there.  Otherwise, lie flat on the ground away from your home, protecting your head.  Stay away from trees and cars.
• In a car or truck, if a tornado is visible far away, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado.  Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible out of the way of the tornado.
• In the open outdoors, lie flat and face down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit.  The kits should contain a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and manual can opener, bottled water, etc.
• Make plans to take an American Red Cross CPR/First Aid course.  These skills are necessary to assist victims when tornadoes strike.
• Give blood.  There is no substitute for giving blood.  Only 5 percent of eligible blood donors in the United States actually donate.

With expanded weather technology, television provides updated information about tornadoes.  We encourage people to pay attention and most of all listen.  If forecasters recommend taking cover, don’t disregard it.  It might be a life or death decision.

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