January and February 2008 saw an increase in the number of tornadoes destroying homes and lives. In South Carolina, the worst may be yet to come.

Disaster officials here in hurricane country look at springtime as "the mean season." Some of the worst isolated damage from thunderstorms and tornadoes has occurred during March, April and May.

In those months, the atmosphere is in transition from the cold air of the winter and warm air with the arrival of spring. These air masses often times interact resulting in turbulent weather conditions. Each year hundreds of communities and lives are shattered as a result of such weather disasters.

Many feel there is nothing they can do against the nasty weather, but the truth is families and individuals can prepare now.

Click here to see video footage of a tornado in action.

On an official basis, South Carolina went about preparing Thursday with the annual statewide tornado drill. Schools, nursing homes, hospitals and government agencies went through the motions of reacting to an emergency.

Ironically, the drill, which comes annually during Severe Weather Awareness Week, was delayed from March 4 because of the threat of severe weather.

This year, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service are promoting awareness of tone-alert weather radios around the state. The radios activate automatically when the National Weather Service issues a severe weather watch or warning. Through the use of these life-saving devices, the public can gain valuable time to take protective action for life and property before severe weather strikes.

Click here to see where South Carolina ranks in tornado risk.

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off?

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. The Red Cross encourages you to:

* Get a kit

* Make a plan

* Be informed

Put together a disaster supply kit, talk to your family about a plan of action and be informed.

Prepare a home tornado plan

* Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

* If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing:

* First aid kit and essential medications.

* Canned food and can opener.

* At least 3 gallons of water per person.

* Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.

* Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

* Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

* Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Stay tuned for storm warnings

* Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:

* 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. Go to safety immediately.

* Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.

When a tornado watch is issued:

* Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.

* Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a tornado warning is issued:

* If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.

* If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy 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

Take training now

When disaster strike and there are mass causalities, EMS can not be everywhere at once, now is the time for your entire family regardless of age to take CPR and First Aid classes.

For more information on training and learning how to prepare your family, please contact your local Red Cross chapter at 803-534-5735.

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