[Kevin]

Nothing prevents the tornado. If it's coming your way, take cover. You want to go to a centrally located house or below ground if possible. Also, malls and public buildings like that are pretty safe places to go.

There are 2 levels of tornado warnings to be aware of:

Tornado watch -- conditions exist that could produce a tornado

Tornado warning -- tornados sighted in an area, take cover.

Purchase a weather radio. In my area there are tornado sirens, sound like air raid sirens. When they go off you go to your basement. It's always good to have a small battery powered TV or radio so you can be aware of the warning status.