Along with Spring Break, mid-terms and warmer weather, March also ushers in tornado season.

Last year alone, 49 tornados were reported in Illinois, almost double the actual average of 25. By far the biggest and deadliest tornado last year leveled Plainfield, Ill., killing 29 people and causing nearly $200 million worth of damage.

“The tornado in Plainfield last year goes to show that a tornado can occur at any time,” said Lynn Bobo, public information officer at the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency in Springfield.

The tornado season lasts from March through September, with the most dangerous period being April through June. Illinois is considered to be a part of “Tornado Alley,” which extends from Texas to Michigan.

With this being Tornado Awareness Week in Illinois, everyone should be aware of what to do if a tornado does strike.

“When we find out there has been a tornado sighted, we train our staff to evacuate the floor as quickly as possible and move everyone into a lower lounge or basement,” said RoseAnn Fazzio, hall coordinator at Grant North.

“If we do not have time to go to the basement, we are instructed to take shelter in one of the floor’s bathrooms,” said Sue Zarlenga, hall coordinator at Grant South.

One rule people worry too much about is slightly opening windows before seeking shelter.

“Too much time is wasted with people worrying about opening windows when they should concentrate on evacuating,” said weather operations coordinator Ken Stoll at the DeKalb County Emergency Service and Disaster Agency.

The Huskie Bus Line also follows a certain procedure in case of a tornado warning.

“All of our bus drivers are told, by radio, to stop at the nearest residence hall or the student center and evacuate all passengers in order to take shelter in the building,” said manager Charlie Battista.

Everyone agrees the main thing to remember if a tornado does occur is to evacuate as soon as possible and to stay calm. Things will run much smoother if everyone is aware of what to do.