COLUMBIA, S.C. — Understanding where to go during severe weather is key to keeping yourself and your family safe. It will also save you both time and stress during dangerous weather. That’s why the National Weather Service is encouraging everyone to find that safe place and share a Safe Place Selfie on Wednesday. 

Before you can figure out where your safe place is, it’s important to identify the hazards that are common where you live and where you spend a majority of your time. 

Here in the Midlands, severe storms with strong winds and isolated tornadoes are fairly common. We also can experience flooding and earthquakes among other hazards. If you spend a lot of time at the beach, you might also think about the risk of riptides.

Once you have identified your most common risk, you can figure out where the best place to stay safe is. 

During severe thunderstorms, the best place to be is in the interior of your house, away from any exterior walls or any windows. If you’re on vacation at the beach and are worried about riptides, a safe place to be would be to swim near lifeguards. 

RELATED: Dominion to open Lake Murray public boat ramp, beaches to remain closed

This is an opportunity to get creative with your family! Get your kids involved, bring the pets with you, and develop a plan! 

It’s also a good time to make sure you have an emergency kit ready to go. 

RELATED: You may have a first-aid kit, but do you know how to use what's inside?

And don’t forget to share your selfie with the hashtag #SafePlaceSelfie online.