Cypress Health Region 1

Here in the southwest it seems severe weather is a regular occurance.

The Cypress Health Region is reminding us of what we can do to prepare, and stay safe in the event of severe weather in your area.

Greg Dunn with the Cypress Health Region said first of all, it's important to know the difference between a severe weather watch and a severe weather warning.

"Severe weather watch is our preparation stage, it means there's a possibility of severe weather coming to your area, now that can be anything from a thunderstorm, tornado, hail, heavy rain, that sort of idea," said Dunn, "now the severe weather warning, is when we need to take care."

Dunn talked about what you can do to prepare in the event of a severe weather watch or severe weather warning issued for your area.

"Go outside, gather up the things outside that aren't nailed down, like a kids bicycle, a garbage can, lawn chairs and tables, and put them in a secure area, a lot of damage is done from things like that, now a severe weather warning, that's the time we need to take care, so get into the house, find a spot in the basement, take shelter in a small interior room, ground floor, bathroom, closet, hallway, or take shelter under a heavy table, in all cases stay away from windows, outside walls and doors."

He added if you are caught outside, stay as close to the ground as possible, stay away from trees or power lines or anything that can be knocked over.

He also noted having extra blankets, flashlights, food, and candles in your house is a good idea, and if you are asked to evacuate, it's important to follow those instructions.