Severe weather is nothing to take lightly, especially if you’re in your car

Most people know to head to the basement or a protected room in your house when you hear the sirens, but what happens if you get caught out in your car?

Andrew Beckett, a spokesman with Wisconsin Emergency Management, says as a last resort, you can pull over and park.

“Then you have two options to consider,” said Beckett.

“You can stay in your vehicle with your seat belt fastened, placing your head below the window line, making sure you’re out of the line of immediate flying debris. Or, if you can get to a place that is noticeably lower than the roadway such as the ditch, you should exit the vehicle, lie in that area and cover your head with your hands.”

Contrary to popular belief, hiding under an overpass is not a good idea.

“You do not want to do that. That creates a wind tunnel effect, and can actually be more dangerous than being out in the open,” said Beckett.

So ditch what the movies say, and don’t try and ride it out under the girders.

Also, before heading out on that road trip, make sure to take a look at the weather outlook for the area you’re visiting, so you’re not caught by surprise.