Tornado safety: Everything you need to know about taking shelter during severe weather

Tornadoes can happen in almost every state, and knowing what to do and where to go during a tornado warning can save your life.

As soon as a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter.

There are different types of shelters, and in places that experience frequent severe weather, shelters might be an underground bunker-like space for people to seek safety. 

Shelter from a tornado can look many different ways, but there are many places to avoid shelter, too.

Take shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued, or if a tornado is seen or indicated by weather radar.

Take shelter if you hear tornado sirens, signaling a tornado is imminent.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TORNADO WATCH, TORNADO WARNING AND TORNADO EMERGENCY?

If you see any of these signs, it's a good idea to seek shelter.

HOW YOU SHOULD PREPARE FOR A TORNADO

If your home or property has a designated space for sheltering from a storm, go there as soon as a tornado warning is issued. Don't wait, just go.

There are many different ways to seek shelter when a tornado may be happening or possible.

Certain types of shelters can be purchased and installed if there's not a safe space in your home to go to during a tornado.

HOW PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS NOTIFY YOU DURING SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCIES

They can be underground or above ground, and are typically made of concrete and reinforced steel.

If there is no designated shelter where you are, go to an interior basement or lowest level of a building away from windows.

Cars, trucks and mobile homes are easily picked up by tornadoes and tossed.

When in a car or mobile home, leave as quickly as possible and go to a nearby building with a place to shelter.

TORNADO SAFETY: THE SAFEST AREAS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND WHY TO AVOID OVERPASSES

If traveling and there is no shelter nearby, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert and shield your head with your hands.

If debris is flying and getting out of your vehicle is not an option, keep your seat belt on, put your head below the window and cover your head with your neck and arms and anything else like a blanket, coat or cushion, to protect yourself, according to Ready.gov.

TORNADO SAFETY: THE SAFEST AREAS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND WHY TO AVOID OVERPASSES

Do not seek shelter under highway overpasses or bridges, and never try to outrun a tornado.

Once you've found a safe space to take shelter during a tornado, it's important to stock it with essentials in case of an emergency.

WHAT TO PUT IN AN EMERGENCY KIT

Keep a bag or box with the necessary supplies packed in your shelter, or an area that's easily reachable nearby in the event of a tornado.

These are things every shelter should have:

Things that aren't necessary, but a good thing to keep in mind when stocking a shelter include pillows and blankets, extra clothes and shoes, a makeshift toilet, hand sanitizer and moist towelettes.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Make sure to have prescription glasses or contact solution if you wear them, pack any prescription medications needed, and if you have a baby or pet, make sure to pack the necessary items to keep them safe.

Storm shelters can be the difference between life and death during a tornado.

Make sure to know when severe weather may be affecting your area and always be prepared.