Prepare for severe weather survival, recovery Published April 2, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Roman Owens 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Although tornados can strike at anytime, more tornados touch down from late March through August than any other time of the year in Oklahoma. The National Weather Service estimates that every year 42 people are killed by tornadoes. Preparation is the best course of action to combat Mother Nature. Ultimately the responsibility for your safety and the safety of your family and property is up to you. To minimize the risk of bodily harm and property loss or damage, a few preventative measures can ensure you are not caught off guard. Have a family tornado plan before a storm is imminent. Does your family know where to go in the event of a tornado? Everyone should know exactly where your shelter is located. Practice your family tornado plan at least once a year. If outdoors, seek shelter inside of a building immediately. A tornado or storm cellar provides the best protection. If you do not have access to a storm shelter, seek a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Stay to the center of whatever room you are located in and avoid doors, windows and outside walls. If you are in a vehicle do not try to outrun the tornado -- you will lose. Get out of your vehicle, find an area lower than the road and lie flat on your stomach. If debris is flying through the air stay in the vehicle and secure your seatbelt. A tornado-emergency kit should be in your predetermined shelter area. Include non-perishable food and bottled water to last at least three days. Other items to include are blankets, sleeping bags, a can opener, flashlights, weather radio, batteries, first-aid kit, prescriptions, knife, rope and signal flares. Preparation will improve your chances of survival in the event of a tornado. Be proactive in securing and protecting your property all year round, but especially during tornado season. Storage sheds, play sets and yard equipment should be anchored down or stored inside. Remove anything that can be easily destroyed or blown away during high winds. When a tornado is imminent, shut and latch all windows and doors and turn off your heating/air conditioning unit. Before leaving your secure location be sure that the tornado has passed. Listen to your radio or television for the all-clear signal. After unexpected severe storms, military members and government employees may be able to file claims. The Military Personnel and Civilian Employees Claims Act provides additional protection after a storm of extreme intensity for personnel not fully compensated by their private insurance. This law does not authorize payments to contractors or non-base affiliated personnel. Authorized claimants will need an itemized list and pictures of damaged property to help ensure the claims process is successful. Claimants should immediately report damage to the 71st Security Forces Squadron or civilian law enforcement to create an initial record of the storm damage. All covered federal employees must then file with their private insurance companies before filing with the Air Force. After a final insurance settlement letter is received the Air Force claims process can begin. Damages should not be repaired prior to completing the Air Force claim because an inspection will be required for the claim to be processed. Claims can be filed directly with the Air Force Claims Service Center online at https://claims.jag.af.mil, or 1-877-754-1212. General information about the claims process is available at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/claims.