Be prepared, dont get swept off your feet Published March 11, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Tornado season is swirling closer; are you ready? There are a few things to know about severe weather. A common question according to Tech. Sgt. April Stanford, a 19th Operations Support Squadron weather technician, is "what is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?" "The difference between a watch and a warning is, a watch is the potential for a tornado and can be issued hours prior to the storm system arriving, and a warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted or is seen on radar," said Stanford. It is very crucial to take the tornado sirens seriously. The sirens on base sound when approaching weather is within a five-nautical-mile radius of the base and poses an imminent threat to life or property. "We don't play around when it comes to the sirens," said Stanford. "Get inside and take cover." During a tornado warning, take cover in a basement, inner room, closet or bathroom. The key is to stay inside your home. "If you are in your car, get out and get to the lowest point, like a ditch," said Master Sgt. Albert Beckwith, a 19th Airlift Wing Safety safety technician. "Don't be a tornado chaser." Preparing for tornado season is vital to safety. Have a plan with your family so they'll know what to do in case of an emergency. Get or make a kit with flashlights, water, food and a weather radio. "Make sure you have a plan with your family, especially if you have kids. Make sure they know where to go, a bedroom with no windows or the bathroom," said Beckwith. "A weather radio would be awesome to have if the power goes out so you can stay informed about the weather." A source of information on kit preparation and how to make family plans is at http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. Be prepared and be safe. Stay indoors and away from windows and take cover when the tornado sirens sound.