Millions of people across the Plains and Midwest are facing the threat of severe weather starting today with the worst weather expected on Friday. The American Red Cross is monitoring the situation and preparing to respond if necessary.

Multiple rounds of severe weather will start today, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, large hail and possible flooding and tornadoes across the middle of the country. The threat increases on Friday and could affect Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Omaha,Chicago and surrounding areas.

The Red Cross is identifying possible shelter locations and 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.

This storm system is bringing multiple threats to communities across the Plains and Midwest. Here are steps you can take 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. The app features short guides to help you prepare for hazards and includes games to practice critical preparedness skills. National Weather Service alerts are shown in the app and can be sent to your phone. Real-time weather maps and hurricane tracking keep you updated on storms. If a disaster impacts your location, you can easily find open Red Cross shelters and services available near you.

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.

• 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.
• Turn around, don’t drown. Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.