During hurricane season, South Florida residents aren’t just bracing for high winds and flooding - they’re also preparing for something that many folks aren’t familiar with: tornadoes.

In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton left a lasting impact, displacing families in several southeast states, catching many residents off guard.
South Florida saw significant tornado damage.

The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips:

· Know the difference! A tornado WATCH means tornadoes are possible in and near your area - be ready to act fast! A tornado WARNING means take action, a tornado is near - move to safe location right away.

· Find a safe room built to withstand high winds. Ideally, a small room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not safe in high wind events.

· Practice tornado drills with your entire household where you all practice moving quickly to the safe locations that you identified.

· Gather food, water, medicine, flashlights, a radio, batteries, chargers and important documents.organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home-Kit.

· Plan to monitor local weather and news, sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.