From an editorial in The Dispatch of Lexington:

Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, but the peak season in North Carolina is March through May, according to North Carolina Emergency Management. They are the most violent of storms and can spawn with little or no warning, so it’s important to know the conditions in which they can form — during strong thunderstorms — and to heed warning signs such as large hail or a loud roaring sound. It’s also important to know that in weather terminology, a tornado watch means conditions are right for formation in the designated area. A tornado warning means one has been sighted in that area.

Perhaps the most important thing to know is what to do if you find yourself in the path of a tornado. The North Carolina Emergency Management Agency advises taking shelter on the lowest floor of a building, preferably a basement. If that’s not an option, find an enclosed hallway, stairwell, bathroom or closet. Stay away from windows. If you live in a mobile home, make a plan now to take shelter elsewhere. If you’re outside when a tornado strikes, try to find a sturdy shelter. If one isn’t available, find a ditch or low-lying area and lie on the ground, protecting your head.

For more information about hurricanes, how to prepare for them and how to protect yourself if one strikes, go to www.readync.org and look for the “Tornado” section under “Stay Informed.”

This is important. Davidson may have dodged a bullet last Sunday, but it’s only mid-April — the heart of tornado season — and we can’t let down our guard.