Survival tips: What to do before and during a tornado

• Don't rely on tornado sirens. Those are designed to warn people outdoors to take shelter. People indoors - especially when they're sleeping - might not hear sirens.

• Keep a NOAA weather radio in bedrooms. The radio broadcasts National Weather Service watches and warnings. "It makes a real loud sound, loud enough to wake you up and gives you the information immediately," said Brett Borchardt, meteorologist with the weather service's Chicago office.

• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on smartphones.

• Have multiple ways of receiving warnings.

• Practice a family tornado drill and have a shelter plan. Tornado season typically runs from about April to August in the Chicago area, but twisters can strike at any time. "And in fact, some of our worst tornadoes happened outside of that time-frame," Borchardt said.

• During a tornado, put as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible. If you don't have access to a basement, get to an interior closet or bathroom and avoid windows.

• If you have time, grab a pillow or some sort of cushion to protect your head.

• If you're driving, don't try to outrun a tornado. Take shelter in a location with an interior room, a gas station or a grocery store. Avoid sheltering under bridges, which offer little protection against flying debris.

Sources: National Weather Service, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Daily Herald reporting