The threat of tornadoes increases rapidly across the central high plains during the late spring and early summer months when heat and moisture in the lower atmosphere become more abundant.

In Nebraska the peak months for a tornadoes threat typically occurs from May through July, with June being the most active month. However tornadoes can and do occur during other months.

Already in 2008, at least 70 fatalities have occurred and over 500 tornadoes have been reported nation-wide. Now is the time to review your severe weather safety procedures.

Although tornadoes have occurred at every hour of the day, almost 90 percent occur between 1pm and 9pm.

Most tornadoes are considered weak. Approximately 89 percent of tornadoes have a short life span, typically less than 10 minutes. Which results in less than 5 percent of tornado fatalities. Wind speeds associated with weak tornadoes are generally less than 110 mph. Winds of this magnitude will damage a wood frame construction home but may completely destroy a mobile home or an outbuilding.

About 10 percent of tornadoes are considered strong. These tornadoes may last over 20 minutes and travel up to 25 miles and are responsible for nearly 30 percent of all tornado deaths. Wind speeds associated with strong tornadoes can reach 165 mph and will cause considerable damage to most buildings.

Violent tornadoes account for only 1 percent of all tornadoes. They result in nearly 70 percent of all tornado fatalities because they destroy much of what is in their path. Violent tornadoes can remain on the ground for over an hour and travel over 50 miles before dissipating. The only chance of surviving a violent tornado is to be inside a safe room or underground shelter.

As severe weather season approaches, it is best to have a plan of action in mind whether at home, in school, at the office or outdoors.

Here are some safety items to consider if a tornado threatens. An easy phrase to remember for tornadoes is to get in, get down and cover up. Be sure to be inside a sturdy building, get to the lowest floor or most interior room in that building and cover your head.

The safest place to be if a tornado approaches is inside a well-built structure within a basement, preferably a safe room or an underground storm shelter. If none of these options are available move to a hallway or a small interior room on the lowest floor, usually this is a closet or bathroom. Remember the greatest risk of injury from tornadoes is from flying debris. Cover yourself with blankets or get under a heavy piece of furniture.

Modular homes, even those tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. Through early April of this year three quarters of all tornado fatalities in the united states have occurred in modular or mobile homes. If a tornado approaches you should leave these locations and seek safety in a nearby building or storm shelter.

If you are driving in open country and see a tornado the best thing to do is simply drive away from the tornado path. Do not take shelter beneath a highway overpass. Wind speeds may actually be higher in these areas and are often collection points for debris.

If you are in an automobile and a tornado is fast approaching with no chance of outrunning it abandon your vehicle, lie face down in a dry ditch or culvert away from your vehicle and cover your head. Lying in a ditch is not the best option but is slightly better than remaining in your vehicle.

If you are caught outside and cannot seek shelter inside a sturdy structure crawl into a culvert or lie down in a narrow dry ditch or ravine and cover your head. Remember that the worst place to be when a tornado threatens is outside in the midst of flying debris.

The best advice is to always take responsibility for your own safety. During spring and summer months this means keeping up on the current weather conditions in your area.