NORFOLK, Neb. -- As summertime approaches, so does the height of tornado season for Nebraska.

Tornado season typically runs from April to October with higher activity during July.

Although, Regional 11 Emergency Manager Bobbi Risor, said that is important to be prepared and aware of your surroundings at all times.

"Be aware that the weather may get bad later today, have weather apps on your phone, pay attention to media sources, whether it's television," Risor said. "Some people have a weather radio, which is a good source too because it has battery backups, so if the electricity goes out and your apps go down then you at least have that." 

It is best to travel to a safe place only during warnings and watches, but you must seek shelter immediately when you hear the sirens begin to blare. 

"If you have the option as the weather seems to get worse, and before the tornado sirens or the actual warnings come over your media sources, that's even a better bet," Risor said. "If you just think it's going to get bad and it's prescribed to get bad, find a place to go."

If confined to your vehicle, immediately pull over to wait out the storm, although if you can see the tornado, it is best to get out and take shelter in the nearest ditch away from power lines and tall trees.

If confined to a home with a basement, you should seek immediate shelter there and steer clear of windows. 

But if you find yourself confined to a residential space without a room like that, such as an apartment, you should take shelter in an interior room as tornadoes and high winds find weak spots in your construction such as doors and windows.

"Whether it's a closet, an interior bathroom, something without windows, that works the best," Risor said. "If you can get to the ground floor or below those are two also better options."

It's best to stay put during tornados as they typically last a few minutes, and emergency personnel will respond to those in need as soon as it is safe.

And to increase safety measures, Risor said that they are currently in discussion to have another tornado siren installed inn the east side of town.