Prepare Now for Tornado Season March marks the traditional start of the severe storm weather season, while the peak tornado activity generally occurs in the months of April, May and June. Kansas lies within the area of the nation known as Tornado Alley, which experiences more tornadoes each year than any other part of the United States. These dangerous storms kill about 80 Americans each year, and injure another 1,500. As we approach this severe storm weather season, it is important for families to review tornado safety techniques. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of wind that extend to the surface of the earth. They come in many shapes and sizes, and do not always appear in the classic "funnel" form. Occurring most often during thunderstorms, these wind columns must be in contact with a cloud and the ground to be classified as a tornado. A twister can last anywhere from a few seconds to more than an hour — but most last less than 10 minutes. Tornado Safety Tips from the American Red Cross Prepare a Home Tornado Plan: Select a designated place to gather in the event of a tornado. A basement is ideal, but if your home has no underground level, a central hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor should be used. If you find yourself in a high-rise building during a tornado, go to a hallway in the center of the building. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit: Put together a permanent collection of items that are easily accessible in emergency (ideally kept in your basement or safe room). It should include a first aid kit, essential medications, canned food and a can opener, three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, bedding, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, items for any special needs the family may have (infant or elderly needs, for example), and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water. Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings: Tune in to local radio and TV stations for storm information. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. In Wyandotte County, the tornado warning signal is a long, steady blast on the outdoor warning sirens. There is no "all-clear" signal. If another long, steady blast is sounded, it means another tornado has been sighted. If a Tornado Watch Is Issued: Monitor the news for updates. Pay attention to changing weather conditions — blowing debris or a sound similar to an approaching freight train can mean a tornado is nearby. If a Tornado Warning Is Issued: Go into your basement or safe room immediately. If you are outside, try to get into the basement of a nearby building, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety. Detailed instructions on how to prepare your family and home for a tornado are available at the Red Cross Internet site: "Prepare Now for Tornado Season". Other Tornado Safety information is also available on the Red Cross site. There are also other emergency preparedness brochures and information available at City Hall and at the City Library. Welcome Wagon If you are a new resident and would like to become familiar with your community, the Bonner Springs senior citizens will call on you at your convenience with a "Goodie Bag" from local merchants and the city. Coupons, gifts and helpful information about our city will be included. To schedule your appointment and receive your gifts, call Nancy Johnson, 441-0169, at the Senior Center.