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Having grown up in the Lone Star State, I’ve got a healthy respect for Texas twisters. The sky turns a pukey shade of green, hail starts pounding the roof, that scary siren sounds, and next thing you know, you’re shuffling your kids and pets into the hall closet, praying for safety.

But Texas is just one of the many areas that are at risk. Each year, about a thousand tornadoes touch down in the U.S. during peak tornado season, March through May. A majority of those fall in “tornado alley,” a vaguely defined area that stretches from Texas to the Canadian prairies and from Colorado to Pennsylvania.

But tornadoes have a way of defying expectations, so it’s smart to know what you’re dealing with—watch for these signs:

* A yellowy-green color to the sky
* Hail, particularly if your area is under tornado watch
* A sudden calm and quiet within a storm or right after it
* Rapidly moving clouds in the sky, particularly if they are rotating or congregating toward the edge of the storm
* Whirling dust or debris on the ground under the clouds
* Loud, continuous “swishing” or waterfall sound that becomes a roar like a train or jet
* Debris falling from the sky

If you’ve got a basement, head down there ASAP. Cover yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets. Think about where the heavy objects are in the floors above, like a dryer or stove, and don’t get right below them.

If there’s no basement, find an enclosed, windowless area on the lowest floor. Crouch low to the floor, face down, and cover yourself with something like a mattress or heavy blankets. Getting in the tub and covering yourself is a good precaution. If you’re in a business environment, try heading for the interior stairwells and stay off the elevators.

Mobile home dwellers, get out! You are safer outside, even if your home is tied down. Head for a permanent building or tornado shelter nearby. If neither are available, lie flat on the lowest spot you can find and protect your head. Stay away from large objects that could be blown onto you, like trailers or cars. The same advice follows for those stuck outdoors.

If you’re in a vehicle, judge how far away the tornado is—if it is very distant and there is little traffic, you might be able to drive away from its destruction by moving at right angles to the storm. If not, follow the directions above—find a ditch, cover your head, and never seek shelter under a bridge.

During all this drama, listen to the NOAA weather radio for updates. If your area sustains damage, get away from the structure when the storm is over and wait for the emergency responders to arrive. Keep away from dangers, like downed power lines, sharp objects, heavily damaged buildings, and any fire (natural gas leaks area a particular worry after a tornado). Follow instructions from the emergency crews and make use of your emergency kit if there are injuries.