Many things in life are unpredictable, but none more so that the weather, especially this time of year when winter turns into spring. This year, like the old saying, people in this area of the country may “go from the frying pan into the fire,” considering that just when we get over one of the harshest winters in decades, the threat of snow storms and dangerous temperatures turn directly to the threat of severe storms and tornadoes.

Although storms and tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, the most prevalent times of severe weather is in the spring months, usually between late March through the month of May in the southeast region.

Because of the severe weather threat this time of year, on February 26, Governor Steve Beshear has proclaimed March as “Severe Weather Awareness Month in Kentucky.”

Weather is always a threat in Kentucky: There have been 13 presidential major disaster declarations during Gov. Beshear’s time in office. All of these disasters have been weather related.

As part of the severe weather awareness activities, a statewide tornado drill was conducted in conjunction with the proclamation.

Tuesday, March 10, at 9:17 a.m. local time, the National Weather Service (NWS), partnering with Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee (KWPC) and Kentucky Broadcasters Association (KBA) will issue a tornado warning test message.

(The original date for the test was this past Tuesday, March 3 but was postponed due to a possible threat of actual severe weather on that date.)

Outdoor warning sirens will sound across Kentucky communities; weather alert radios will be activated; and television and radio stations and mobile services will broadcast the alert–which will allow the public the opportunity to practice tornado safety measures.

The broadcast test message will emphasize that it was only a test of the alert system and during the test, all Kentuckians, including businesses, hospitals, schools and government agencies were encouraged to practice their tornado safety drill and update their emergency plans.

Clinton County Director of Emergency Services Lonnie Scott said that all of the county’s tornado sirens will be tested as well as the automated Code Red Mass Warning Alert System which notifies everyone with ground phones and those who have cell phones that are registered with the system, to receive the alert call.

Scott noted that anyone with land line phones, or those who have cell phones that are registered with Code Red who do not receive the test call could go to the Code Red website or call the local emergency management office at 387-8636.

The following information from the Kentucky office of Emergency Management lists the differences in what a “watch” is compared to an actual “warning.”

* Severe Thunderstorm: Watch–Severe thunderstorms are possible in and close to the watch area. Warning: Severe weather has been reported or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate impending danger to life and property.

* Tornado: Watch–Tornadoes are possible in and close to the watch area. Warning–Tornado(s) have been sighted or is indicated by radar. Seek shelter immediately.

* Flood: Potential exists for a river to exceed flood stage in the next 12 to 72 hours. Warning–River is expected to exceed flood stage in the next 48 hours. Loss of life or property is possible.

* Flash Flood: Watch–The potential exists for heaving rains to create flash flooding in the next six to 24 hours. Warning–Flash flood conditions are occurring or are expected to occur soon. Loss of life or property is possible.

Severe weather preparedness begins with knowing the risks:

* Step 1. Understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family.

* Step 2. Check the weather forecast regularly. Get a NOAA Weather Radio and sign up for localized alerts from emergency management officials.

* Step 3. Develop a personal emergency plan that considers all types of local hazards.

If you do not have a tornado plan in place, consider these guidelines:

* Designate a tornado shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of a building, away from windows.

* Basements are best, but, if there is no basement, choose an interior bathroom, closet or other enclosed space on the lowest level of a building.

* Tell everyone where the designated shelter is and post the location.

To conduct a tornado drill at home or work:

* Announce the start of the drill.

* Participants should act as though a tornado warning has been issued for the immediate area or a tornado has been sighted nearby. They should move as quickly as possible to the designated tornado shelter.

* Once people reach redesignated safe areas, they should crouch as law as possible to the floor, facing down, covering their heads with their hands.

* Once everyone has reached safe shelter, announce the mock tornado has passed and the drill is complete.

* After the drill, perform an assessment. Determine whether the shelter you chose was large enough for everyone, easy to get to and uncluttered.

During severe weather, if you are caught outdoors and unable to seek indoor shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Remember, outdoor warning sirens are not designated to warn indoor inhabitants, and tornadoes also strike during the night. If you are asleep or don’t happen to have a television or radio turned on when a severe weather warning is issued; battery-backed weather alert radios are always on hand and ready to sound an alarm. This is the most effective way to monitor severe weather watches and warnings at any time of day or night.

Homes and businesses alike should have and should monitor weather alert radios, which automatically transmit NWS severe weather watches and warnings 24 hours a day.

KYEM is offering an online survey form that each participant is encouraged to complete and submit. The results will be used to help determine the effectiveness of the drill and to identify ways to improve readiness and alert notifications.

The survey, other safety tips, helpful links and resources can be found at the KYEM website at: http://kyem.ky.gov. where you can follow KYEMPO on Twitter, like us on Facebook and sign up for mobile alert messages. Additional information is on the National Weather Service’s website at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/severe.html.

After a tornado:

* Remain calm and alert, and listen to the radio and TV for instructions from authorities.

* Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

* Carefully render aid to those who are injured.

* Stay away from downed power lines.

* Watch your step to avoid glass, nails, and other sharp objects.

* Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings.

* Do not use lighters, there might be leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby.

In 2013, there were seven weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the United States. These events included five severe weather and tornado events, a major flood event, and the western drought/heat wave. Overall, these events killed 109 people and had significant economic effects on the areas impacted.

Yet, being prepared for severe weather doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few simple steps, such as having a disaster supplies kit, obtaining a NOAA Weather Radio and creating a Family Emergency Plan could help save your life.