Tornadoes are not just for summer time anymore.

Mother Nature is hitting us hard this fall with rain storms, and extreme temperatures. The crazy weather patterns made me think of the Spring when tornadoes are real threat. So I looked up what causes a tornado and Weathre Wiz Kids gave me the answer I was searching for...

Most tornadoes form from thunderstorms. You need warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from Canada. When these two air masses meet, they create instability in the atmosphere.

But then I remembered that tornadoes don't form in the winter months but according to livescience.com, that is not true.

No time of year is entirely free from tornado risk. Like spring, fall is a transitional period when masses of warm and cool air are more likely to collide and create the thunderstorms that can trigger twisters.

The article went on to say that Winter tornadoes are more deadly then Fall and Spring tornadoes because they move faster

Here is how you can can stay safe.I dwell in a townhouse...that means I have no basement, and as far as I know there are no storm shelters on the property. This puts the terror of the devil in my soul because we all know that Michigan has churned up a few deadly tornadoes over the years.

Apartmentsearch.com advises that the safest place to go if a basement or a shelter are not available it is best to find shelter in a closet, bathroom or interior hall without windows on the ground floor of the structure. Once you safely arrive in that area, it is best if you have a helmet put to on as well as cover with pillows, blankets and even an hide under a mattress. Another great place for protection is to hide under a heavy piece of furniture.

The sight also recommends having a "go bag" ready with items that may come in handy if a major storm strikes the area.

Evacuation Kit...

  • Portable radio
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Credit card
  • Cash
  • First aid kit
  • Spare set of keys
  • Personal identification
  • And anything else of importance or of value to you

What if you have animals that need protection during the storm as well? The Human Society has a great list to keep in mind for your fur babies this storm season...

For The Safety of Your Pets...

  • Bring your pets inside
  • Keep cat and dog IDs updated and visible
  • An adequate supply of food, water, and treats
  • Sanitation items such as a litter box and litter or puppy pads
  • A crate to provide a secure place in which your pet can weather the storm
  • Evacuating? Take pets and their emergency supplies with you
  • Take special care of your pets after the tornado has passed

The reason animals need special care after the storm passes makes a lot of sense...

Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost. Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioral problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.

No matter what Mother Nature throws at us this season, server storms, tornadoes, etc. just keep yourself and your family safe.

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