While storm chasing can be fun, there are many safety issues that must be recognized. Trying to get that one perfect shot or video can put the chaser in more danger than is needed. So below are some little tips I've put together to make a fun yet safe chase.

Drive Responsibly
Yes, that may sound crazy, but the last thing you want to do in the middle of the perfect storm ( or any storm for that matter) is spend it wrapped around a tree or in the hospital. With lightning flashing, tornadoes touching down, and high winds, adrenaline is pumping, and so it the gas. Obey traffic laws and be courteous to other drivers (and chasers). And watch out on sharp curves or roads that are unknown...because it only takes one curve too fast to put an end to a chase.

Scout the Area
This is one I do in the off-season. Instead of wasting valuable gas and time looking for that perfect spot, scout them out during the winter. I like to take little detours coming home from somewhere, taking the back roads and writing down / mapping them out. That way, when a strong cell is inbound, you can check the maps and the path of the storm, set up ahead of time, and catch it just right.

Don't get Fried
Lightning is very powerful and unpredictable. Don't risk it standing on top of a barn with a metal roof in the middle of a storm. I prefer to stay in the back of my minivan with the camera setup in the sliding door-way when it gets too close. It's not 100% protective, but it does give you a better chance than just standing in an open field. If you feel a bolt coming (possibly the hair on your head / arms will stand up) or you just have "that feeling," duck down and grab your ankles. You don't want to be flat on the ground, as that will increase your surface area to the ground. You want minimum contact with the ground and yet be as close to it as you can.

Don't try a Dorothy
This ain't the Wizard of Oz, so keep a respectable distance from tornadic activity. You judge the distance on available information, your location, the storm, what access (and escape) routes you have, etc.

Be Prepaired to Help
Especially after a tornado, there may be people injured and/or trapped in rubble, so being the all- knowledgeable storm chaser that you are, check on the people that a storm just went through. It might not hurt to have some blankets and water on hand just in case (and hey, you might need them yourself!).

Be Smart
Yes, some people will challenge this statement with us standing out there in violent thunderstorms. But a little common sense goes a long way. If you're parked on the side of a road or in a place of poor visibility, at least try to have some sort of indication that you're there (reflective markers, parking lights, etc.). You don't have to have flashing lights like on Twister, and some states may frown on that anyway, but just make sure people know you're there. If you're in an area with potential for criminal activity (as some of us have found in the desert or even in the wrong part of town), you may want to relocate...and rather quickly. If there is a spot that you frequent, you may want to introduce yourself to the locals just so they know who that is in the car down the road at 3am.

Have Fun!
You love thunderstorms. So enjoy them! But always try to enjoy them so you can enjoy them another day!