A severe weather threat lasting through the weekend is headed to the middle of the country, which could see tornadoes, heavy rain, damaging hail, strong winds and flash flooding.

The American Red Cross has disaster teams standing by to help if needed. People should make their emergency preparations now. Learn what steps to take to get your household ready here.

From the southern Plains to the Midwest, wind gusts could reach 70 mph and very large, damaging hail is possible in Iowa, Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas and Texas. Experts report a storm system with hundreds of strong wind gusts and multiple tornadoes is possible Sunday into Monday

STEPS TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, expert advice in English and Spanish, and available disaster shelter and support locations. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

IF DAMAGING HAIL IS FORECAST, the National Weather Services advises you to head indoors immediately. If you have time, close all window coverings to prevent broken glass from coming into your home. Stay away from windows and skylights. If you are driving, stay in your vehicle, slow down or pull over, and try to cover yourself with something to protect you from breaking glass.

IF THE POWER GOES OUT If you lose electricity, you may need to leave if your home is too hot, or if you have medical devices that need power. During a power outage, unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges. Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.  

• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns — not candles ─ to avoid fires.  
• Don’t drive unless necessary.
• To prevent illness, keep food cold. When in doubt, throw it out. Eat fresh, perishable foods first. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help keep food cold. Use coolers with ice if necessary. 
• Measure the food temperature in your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you’re using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.  

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area. Keep this equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.  
• Operate the generator on a dry surface and don’t touch a generator with wet hands.
• Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could catch fire.  
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.  
• Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away. 

TORNADO SAFETY Find the safest location at places where you spend a lot of time. A basement or a small interior room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building is best.

• Mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not safe during storms. Plan ahead by finding a sturdy building where you can seek shelter.
• Practice a tornado drill with your entire household by moving quickly to the nearest safe location.
• Stay informed about potential thunderstorms and tornadoes by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• If a tornado warning is issued, or if you suspect a tornado, go to your safe place immediately. Then use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. Stay in your safe place until the tornado warning ends.
• If the building you’re in has been damaged, be very careful exiting. Don’t go back inside after you leave. Look around for things that might fall or are dangerous.
• Don’t use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
• If you’re trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY If thunder roars, go indoors. If the forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone outdoor activities. Watch for storm signs, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes and increasing wind.

• Turn around, don’t drown. Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
• Seek shelter inside a sturdy building and go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Lightning can be dangerous even when you’re inside. Avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets. Avoid running water as lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines.
• No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are nearby. Sheds, gazebos, dugouts and bleachers don’t protect from lightning or high winds. Avoid taking shelter under a tree as they’re often hit by lightning, and you could be injured.
• Being in a vehicle is safer than being outside; however, if you have time, drive to the closest sturdy building, and take shelter inside. If you’re driving and can’t get to a sturdy building, pull off the road and park in a place where falling trees and power lines won’t hit you.