Tornadoes, floods, thunderstorm winds, hail, lightning, heat, wildfires, rip currents and tsunamis - spring is three months of danger that can imperil the unprepared. It roars in like a lion and continues to roar across the United States throughout March, April and May.

Spring is a time of transition, when late-season snowstorms can impact the East Coast and the Northern Plains, thunderstorms rip across the South and Midwest, rivers overflow their banks and heat waves begin in the Southwest. And there’s one hazard that can strike the coasts at any time: tsunamis.

Don’t let this dangerous season catch you unaware. Get ready for spring with just a few simple steps: Know Your Risk, Take Action and Be a Force of Nature.

1. Know Your Risk
Tornadoes, floods, thunderstorm winds, hail, lightning, heat, wildfires, rip currents and tsunamis can be a killer for the unprepared. Here’s what you need to know about these dangerous hazards:

• Since 2003, 43 states within the continental United States have come under a tornado watch; 49 states have come under severe thunderstorm watches; and lightning strikes occur in every state.
• More than half of the total freshwater flood-related deaths each year result from motorists driving into floodwaters. It only takes 12 inches of water to carry off a small vehicle.
• Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of deaths each year. The heat wave of 1995 claimed more than 700 lives in the Chicago area alone.
• In 2014, there were 26 lightning fatalities - six in Florida alone.
• Wildfires kill 30 people, destroy 2,800 homes and burn more than 7 million acres, on average per year.
• The United States Lifesaving Association estimates that more than 100 people each year die in the surf zone waters of the U.S. and that rip currents cause the majority of those fatalities.
• Since the beginning of the 20th century, 34 tsunami events have caused more than 500 deaths and over $1.7 billion (2014 dollars) in damage to U.S. coastal states and territories.

2. Take Action
While the weather may be wild, you are not powerless. Prepare for spring hazards including tornadoes, floods, thunderstorm winds, hail, lightning, heat, wildfires, rip currents and tsunamis with these simple steps:

• You may have only minutes to find shelter before a tornado strikes. Practice a family tornado drill at least once a year.
• Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown®.
• Check to see if officials in charge of sports have a written lightning safety plan.  
• Extreme heat comes early to the Southwest. During a heat wave, reschedule strenuous outdoor activities for the coolest time of the day.
• If you live near wildland areas, make sure you home is Firewise and fire-safe.
• This spring break, avoid rip currents by checking the local beach forecast and talking to the lifeguard.
• If you live, work or play on the coast, learn about tsunami safety.

3. Be a Force of Nature
Being prepared is about helping your community. Share your weather and emergency preparedness story and you’ll inspire others to prepare.

• Write a post on Facebook. Share with your friends and family the details of how you’re weather-ready.
• Tweet that you’re prepared with #SpringSafetyPrep. Help us build an online community of the prepared.
• Create a Family Communication Plan so that your loved ones know how to get in touch during an emergency. And let your friends know that they should create a plan also.
• Look for ways to help your town prepare, such as volunteering with the American Red Cross or joining a Community Emergency Response Team.
• Register for America’s PrepareAthon! to learn how to stay safe during disasters.

These simple steps will help keep you safe from tornadoes, floods, lightning, heat, wildfires, rip currents and tsunamis. A little bit of preparation can make a big difference. And being ready for these hazards will help you throughout the year.

Get to Know NOAA
NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, water and climate data and forecasts and warnings to protect life and property and enhance the national economy. Our vision is a Weather-Ready Nation, one that is prepared for and responds to weather-related events. Here’s what we’re doing to prepare the public for spring hazards.

• NWS leads Seasonal Safety Campaigns (like this one) to prepare the public for seasonal weather hazards.
• NOAA issues a Spring Outlook to help the nation prepare for spring flooding and other hazards.
• NWS warns the public about severe weather through Wireless Emergency Alerts and NOAA Weather Radio.
• NWS works with local emergency managers to install Turn Around Don't Drown® signs in flood-prone areas every year.
• NWS conducts public outreach on lightning safety, including developing Public Service Announcements for fishermen.
• NWS issues Excessive Heat Outlooks, Watches and Warnings to alert the public.
• NWS provides weather forecasts that are critical for wildland firefighters and managers across the nation.
• NOAA's rip current and beach hazards safety website at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov, along with social media, provides the public with lifesaving and educational information on all beach and surf zone hazards.
• NWS operates two tsunami warning centers that monitor Earth for earthquakes and tsunamis and issue tsunami alerts to emergency managers and the public in the U.S.

Workplace Preparedness
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides resources for workplace preparedness for and response to severe weather emergencies, including tornadoes, floods and extreme heat. Employers must ensure that workers involved in response and recovery are protected from potential safety and health hazards. OSHA also provides information and resources to assist in these efforts.  OSHA and NOAA encourage workers and employers to be aware of weather forecasts, train workers on severe weather plans, and keep emergency supplies, including a battery-operated weather radio, on hand to be better prepared when severe weather strikes.

Follow NWS on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news on weather preparedness.