Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and high winds require different responses — know which applies to where you live.
Prepare
Have a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio to receive alerts when power is out.
Identify the lowest interior room in your home (away from windows) — this is your shelter for tornadoes and high winds.
Keep a flashlight and extra batteries accessible.
Charge your phone and power bank when a storm is forecast.
Prevent
Trim dead branches and trees near your home — these become projectiles in high winds.
Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations before a storm arrives.
Install surge protectors on electronics.
Know the difference between a Watch (conditions favorable for severe weather) and a Warning (severe weather occurring or imminent) — a Warning requires immediate action.
Respond
Thunderstorm:
Stay indoors. If outdoors, seek shelter in a building — not under a tree.
Avoid using corded phones, plumbing, or electronics during lightning.
Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside.
Tornado Warning:
Go immediately to the lowest floor, interior room (bathroom, closet, hallway).
Get under a sturdy piece of furniture or protect your head and neck with your arms.
Stay away from windows.
If in a vehicle: do not try to outrun a tornado — abandon the car and find a low-lying ditch or sturdy building.
After the storm:
Watch for downed power lines — treat all downed lines as live.
Avoid flooded roads — "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
Resources
NOAA Weather: weather.gov
Wireless Emergency Alerts — ensure your phone receives them
Local emergency management office — search "[your county] emergency management"