Before 1987, I never thought of tornadoes other than those that affected Dorothy and Toto! After 2 years of back to back tornadoes in 1987 and 1988 and several since, I am no longer blissfully ignorant of storm weather. Now, when the skies and the conditions seem right (even sometimes before the weather channels start their broadcasts), I get ready. I make sure that everything outside is secured or put away. I have seen too many pieces of patio furniture and barbecues flying to want one of them in my window. I check the path to my interior safe space in the basement and make sure that anyone (human or canine) who can't get themselves to safety is present and accounted for. The dogs don't normally wear collars in the house, but I get everyone collared and have leashes handy to help them to the basement since they can get a little panicked by the goings-on. I generally make sure that the crank radio (with flashlight) is in my safe space and that there is bottled water and something to eat that is suitable for all of the inhabitants of the room. After the storm subsides, I don't dash right back up and look around as the storms can come in groups and you can get another right on the heels of the first. After the storm danger has passed, I go and check the house, windows (for broken glass) and outside for broken fences or other debris before everyone else gets released from "safety". Only when I have cleared all those areas and checked for any updated weather information, does everybody get to return to the upstairs.
Wendy