Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

QUINCY, ILL -- This past weekends storms are a good reminder that severe weather can hit anytime.

March is Severe Weather Awareness Month and we want to make sure that you and your family are prepared.

A tornado siren alerts you if you are outside and a tornado has been spotted or is possible.

When hearing the siren you need to seek shelter immediately.

Once inside you need to head to the lowest level of your home, like a basement.

Other safe areas are your bathtub while covered with a blanket, a closet or the most interior room of your home away from windows.

If you get stuck outside, get out of your car, lie flat in a ditch covering your head with your hands.

Having a mock drill and going over every situation with your family will help them be prepared and know what to do in severe weather situations.

As we all know, often times severe weather hits at night and having a plan and reviewing it with your family could just save your life.

It's also important to know the difference between a watch and warning.

A watch means conditions are likely for severe weather.

A warning means we have a strong storm moving towards your location.

All are issued by the National Weather Service and we are required to inform the public when warnings are in a specific area.

Click here to look at the National Weather Service's Frequently Asked Questions page.

Weather radios are also important to have in case the power goes out.

You can purchase weather radios that run on batteries or that are hand-crank powered.

They also come in every price range. Click here for some reviews.