Tornadoes can happen at any time of the year. However, peak tornado season in the U.S. is in the spring and summer, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) — typically early spring on the Gulf Coast, from May into early June in the Southern Plains and June and July in the upper Midwest and Northern Plains.

However, that doesn't mean you should wait for peak tornado season to make your home secure — especially as many of these preparations can be time consuming and may require the work of a professional. The American Red Cross suggests having trees trimmed so that diseased or damaged limbs are removed, installing permanent shutters on windows that you can close quickly and having your garage door strengthened. Also, Ready.gov recommends signing up to receive notifications from the local warning system or the Emergency Alert System.

If you have time before a tornado approaches, the Red Cross also suggests moving or securing debris and other loose items, such as lawn furniture and firewood, that may become a projectile during a tornado. You don't want your patio set or lawn decorations to potentially become a source of danger for your family or neighbors.