Severe weather season is here; Are you prepared?

Severe weather season is here! It kicked off early this year with tornadoes in February and early March.

This week, Ohio prepares for spring with the kick-off of Severe Weather Awareness Week. It is a great time to plan how to keep your family and yourself safe.

>>Live Doppler 7 Radar

>>Dayton Skywarn: Who are they? How they help in severe weather

“Many people know where their safe place is at home, but its easily overlooked while out in a public facility, or outdoors,” said Meteorologist Zontini.

She noted the tornado that hit the Greene shopping center in Beavercreek in May 2015. It’s a prime example of how important it is to be prepared.

Severe Weather When You’re In a Car:

• In a car--drive to the closest secure shelter
• In a car--don’t park under overpasses; it unsafe in a tornado

Severe Weather Outdoors:

• Do not take shelter under a tree or in a shed
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you

Severe Weather Indoors:

• Avoid lying on concrete floors
• Seek shelter in a basement, or interior room

Download our free WHIO Weather App to view live radar, receive alerts, and listen live, even when the power is out.

>>VIDEO: Surveillance camera captures tornado at Greene

>>PHOTO GALLERY: Beavercreek tornado damage, May 2015

Check out our Severe Weather Awareness library:

>>The difference between severe vs. enhanced risk

>>Tornado vs. straight line winds

>>Shelf cloud vs. wall cloud

>>Watches vs. Warnings

>>Know your Flood Risk

>>Tornado Sirens: Who has them?