What to do when a tornado is in the forecast

Maryland is bracing for severe weather Monday, including damaging winds and a risk of tornadoes. Authorities and forecasters are urging people to be prepared.

“It’s a particularly concerning day for severe weather,” said Cody Ledbetter, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington office.

Here’s what to do to stay safe during tornadoes and severe storms.

Tornado watch vs. warning

Weather alerts for tornadoes will often be a watch or a warning.

Tornado watches indicate when tornadoes are possible in your area. This is the time to take inventory of supplies and determine a safe area in your home.

A warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted and is actively happening. This is the time to seek shelter.

Sign up for weather alerts

Marylanders should make sure they have multiple ways to get weather alerts.

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management issues alerts. You can subscribe to receive alerts through the department’s website or by texting MdReady to 211-631.

You can also find your county’s emergency info here.

What to do if a tornado strikes

Stay indoors during severe weather, according to the National Weather Service.

If you are at home, the weather service says the safest place to be is in your basement or the lowest level of a house and away from windows. Bring pets with you.

If you are at work or school, stay away from windows and follow any planned steps for a weather emergency. Large open rooms, including cafeterias, gymnasiums and auditoriums, should be avoided, according to the National Weather Service.

If you are in a vehicle, drive to the closest shelter. If you can’t make it, leave the vehicle and look for a low-lying area. Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe, but if that’s the best option, then get down in your car and cover your head.

What to include in an emergency kit

Marylanders should also have an emergency kit ready for severe weather. Some items to include:

• flashlights
• batteries
• bottled water
• non-perishable food
• medications
• a battery-powered radio

It’s also important to fully charge mobile devices ahead of a storm in case of power outages.

Residents can report power outages to Baltimore Gas & Electric at BGE.com, through the company’s mobile app, via text to 69243 or by calling 877-778-2222.

If you see downed power lines, stay as far away as possible and report them to 911.