Millions of people in the center of the country are facing the combined threat of dangerous severe weather and critical wildfire risks that could last into early next week.

The American Red Cross is already responding to wildfires across several states and is monitoring these new risks, preparing to launch additional responses if necessary.

MULTIPLE THREATS The National Weather Service reports severe thunderstorms will cover the Plains, Missouri and Mississippi Valleys today with tornadoes, large hail, flooding and dangerous wind gusts also possible. The storms continue over the next few days with a bigger threat showing up Sunday into Monday when supercell thunderstorms could occur, leading to strong tornadoes, very large hail and damaging winds.

At the same time, conditions are ripe for wildfires ─ intense winds, low humidity and dry vegetation ─ with elevated to critical fire risks issued for the Plains and Midwest.

Meanwhile, severe wildfire conditions occurred in Whitman County in western Nebraska overnight, forcing people to leave their neighborhoods. In Colorado, the Hammer Fire near Colorado Springs also led to evacuation orders. Fires are also burning in Florida and Georgia. Red Cross disaster workers are responding, opening and supporting shelters, ready to support any additional evacuations if necessary.

STEPS TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE If you live in the path of these storms or wildfires, these steps will help keep you and your loved ones 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.

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.
• Stay informed about potential thunderstorms and tornadoes by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• A WATCH means be prepared as tornadoes are possible and you should be ready to act fast. A WARNING means take action now as a tornado is near and you need to move to a safe location right away. 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.
• 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.

WILDFIRE SAFETY A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials.

• If you feel you’re in danger, leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Know where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
• If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them quickly if you need to evacuate. •
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. To help keep your indoor air clean, don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.