ENCORE: Ask A Fire Chief About Your Tornado Preparedness

The photo with this story is my emergency shelter plan.

I have it all thought out. We'll go under the steps to the basement, so if a tornado destroys our house, we'll (fingers crossed) be protected by the stairs and be able to get out of the house through the door at the top of the steps.

The only problem: It's so full of junk, there's no room for us.

Well, perhaps, it's not the only problem. There's no radio down there. The NOAA weather radio is in my bedroom. Should I have purchased another one for downstairs?

What about the basement window near the basement steps?  Or the fact that my shelter is  right next to my home's gas furnace and water heater? Are they problems?

No question. My storm readiness plan stinks.

Obviously, readiness involves more than knowing to go to the basement when tornado sirens go off.

What do you need to know to get ready for tornado season?  Or can you help the rest of us with your suggestions and experience?

Ask your questions. Or answer someone else's in the comments below.

Fire Chief Jerry Holt and others from the  will be monitoring this article this week and will answer your questions in the comments box. (Now that's good Urbandale service!)

Check back on Monday, April 9, for more storm readiness conversation.