Not one state in the continental U.S. has escaped the wrath of tornadoes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tornado season runs between May and June in the Southern Plains, June and July in the central United States, and earlier in the spring on the Gulf Coast. But tornadoes can strike at any time of the year. If a tornado is spotted:

Seek shelter immediately

If you're away from home, seek out a basement, interior corridor, tunnel, underground parking lot or subway

Avoid auditoriums, upper floors of buildings, trailers and parked vehicles

Stay away from all windows

If you're out in the open, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area and protect your head; stay away from poles or overhead lines

If you're driving, drive at right angles to the tornado's path; if you can't escape it, get out of the vehicle and seek a low-lying area

If you're at home, head for the basement and take cover under a heavy table or workbench; if you don't have a basement, go into a
windowless room in the center of the house

Stay away from windows and cover yourself with a rug for protection against flying glass and debris

Know the difference between a watch (conditions are favorable for a tornado to form) and a warning (a tornado has been spotted in
your area and you should take shelter immediately)

Additional Resources

National Weather Service http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html

American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/tornado

Ready.gov http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes