Check Weather Information Again:

Don't be caught off guard!  While watches may be issued before storms form, thunderstorms may develop when the watch is posted, or thunderstorms may be ongoing and moving into the area.  By rechecking the weather information, you will be aware of what is happening around you.

Severe weather watches(tornado or severe thunderstorm) may be issued hours before a storm develops.  The sky may be sunny when you first hear a tornado or severe thunderstorm watch, but remember, a watch just means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes.

Make Sure Your NOAA Weather Radio is Turned ON (if you own one):

If your NOAA All-Hazards Radio was not turned on, you should make sure it's on and the batteries are still working when a watch is issued.  The radio will alert you if a warning is issued, so it is vital to have it on and working correctly. Make sure you have an extra set of batteries in case the power goes out.

Consider Turning on a TV or AM/FM Radio:

If you don't own a NOAA All-Hazards Radio, you may want to consider turning on a television to a local station, or turning on an AM/FM radio.  A local television station is probably the best means of staying updated on the situation other than a NOAA All-Hazards Radio, or the local NWS website.

Check your "safe place"

Review with family members where your safe place is. It could be in the basement or a room with no windows in the middle of the home, like a bathroom. A closet under the stairs is another good "safe place" during storms. Take your emergency kit with you, along with any important papers you've set aside.

Take a quick look at your Emergency Kit

Tornadoes and severe storms usually pass quickly. While a severe weather watch can last for hours, a warning is usually limited to a few minutes or an hour. Your emergency kit needs include items for a brief disruption for you and family members, but its good for your kit to have items that you'll need for several hours or a day or two. Read More: