When residents of the Hulaco community in Southeast Morgan County left their homes for work on April 27, 2011, little did they realize that a half-mile wide path of destruction would stare them in the face when they returned. A devastating F-4 tornado struck like a thief in the night, taking everything from some and leaving others with the daunting task of cleaning up, repairing and protecting what little was left.

Miraculously, no one was killed or seriously hurt. Plus, while scars remain, the recovery process has progressed far with generous public and private support.

Even though that natural disaster is history and the odds of it being repeated are small now’s not a time to take severe weather lightly.

As a precautionary measure, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency teamed up April 22-28 last week during National Severe Weather preparedness Week to remind the public to “Know Your Risk, Take Acton and Be a Force of Nature.”

Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take Action: Pledge to develop a emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.

Be a Force of Nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social medial network. Studies show individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting—and you can be one of those sources. When you go to a shelter during a warning, send a text, tweet or post a status update so your friends and family know.