Knowing the difference between a tornado watch or a warning could save your life. The National Weather Service uses certain criteria to determine if a tornado watch or warning could be issued for your area. TORNADO WATCH A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. The NWS said a tornado watch is usually issued for a duration of four to eight hours. It’s usually issued well in advance of the actual occurrence or severe weather. TORNADO WARNING A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is indicated by radar or sighted by weather spotters. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, you should immediately seek shelter. A tornado warning can also be issued without a tornado watch being already in effect. Tornado warnings are usually issued for a duration of about 30 minutes. TORNADO SAFETY TIPSFrom the National Weather Service and Red Cross In general, get as low as you can. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building offers the greatest safety. Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. Avoid windows at all costs! In homes or public buildings: go to the basement or a small interior room, such as a closet, bathroom, or an interior hall on the lowest level. Protect yourself from flying debris with a mattress, sleeping bags, pillows, heavy coats, blankets, or quilts. Use bicycle or motorcycle helmets to protect your head. If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. In mobile homes: mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes. Abandon mobile homes and go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately. Leave well in advance of the approaching severe weather and go to a strong building. If there is no shelter nearby, get into the nearest ditch, low spot or underground culvert. Lie flat, covering your head with your hands for protection. In an apartment: Get to the lowest level (go to a neighbor's apartment on the first floor, if possible.) Regardless of what floor you're on, get in a bathtub or interior closet. If you are on a higher level and can't get to a lower apartment, hunker down in the breezeway of the apartment building If you are caught outdoors: seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get into a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Remember to buckle your seat belt. Stay away from bridge/highway overpasses. If strong winds and flying debris occur while driving: pull over and park, keeping your seat belt on and engine running. Put your head down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket. If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car, and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances. The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement, or safe room.CONNECT WITH WXII 12 Make sure to download the WXII 12 App, so that you can still get updates if the power goes out. You'll also have access to the latest weather alerts for your area, live streaming video, updated forecasts, breaking news and more. WXII 12 News App: Apple devices WXII 12 News App: Android devices SHARE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS Only when it's safe, please share your storm damage pictures and videos with WXII 12. Make sure to include your name and location. ULocal on the WXII Mobile AppClick on the WXII 12 app, then scroll to find ULocal or access it from the menu and upload your photos and videos.ULocal North Carolina Facebook You can share your photos and videos by visiting our ULocal North Carolina Facebook group. Twitter@WXIIMore weather coverage: Closing and delays | Latest weather forecast | Post pictures to the uLocal North Carolina Facebook Group | Traffic information | Report closings and delays | SkyCams | Download the WXII12 News mobile app