Many people live in the area known as Tornado Alley safely and happily, but if you are moving into Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas or Arkansas, then it would be wise to take extra precautions. Tornadoes can and do occur all over America but can be particularly fierce in the ‘Alley’ states.

Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.

But there are many reasons why someone would choose to live in a place like Tornado Alley. They include: loves ones, roots, job, cost of living, opportunities. California, it should be noted, has earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires and mud slides. And those are all a lot less predictable than tornados.

Missouri – Matt Suter was 19 years old when he had an experience that he will never forget. He survived after being swept up inside a tornado. More than a dozen tornadoes spawned from the supercell thunderstorms that day, claiming the lives of two people.

If you are in a secure place, there’s nothing to worry about. The movement of the funnel, even overhead, would be too rapid to suck the breathable air from around your head. High winds are dangerous because of the impacts they can cause, but in themselves do not stop human breathing.

Swirling red dirt can be seen as the tornado passes and begins to pick up debris. An area of what looks to be a glowing white light and clear sky can be seen at the top of the twister.