NATCHEZ &8212; November brings cooler weather, falling leaves and turkey dinners.

It also brings tornadoes.

November is the second most active month for tornadoes, and is also tornado awareness month.

In just two days in November 2004, storms spawned 17 tornadoes in the state, according to a statement from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Autumn can be just as active for tornadoes as spring, the statement says.

Angela Dyer, executive assistant for the Adams County Emergency Management Office, agreed.

&8220;For hurricanes and tornadoes, this is peak season,&8221; Dyer said.

There are steps people can take to prepare, she said.

One thing people should know is the difference between a tornado watch and a warning, she said.

&8220;A watch means conditions are at a point where we need to watch to see if a tornado might form,&8221; Dyer said. &8220;A warning means we have activity turning into a tornado.&8221;

Dyer recommended buying weather radios and planning ahead.

People should find a safe area in their home with interior walls, she said.

Those who live in mobile homes should plan ahead to go to a neighbor or relative&8217;s house or find the location of their nearest shelter.

&8220;And if you&8217;re in a residence that has trees that have the potential of damaging property, get those removed before the storm hits,&8221; she said.

A family disaster kit, including batteries, flashlights, water and nonperishable food, is a good idea, too, she said.

&8220;You never know when a tornado could produce severe power outages, and you might need enough to sustain you for a period of time,&8221; Dyer said.

Additional information is available at the Adams County Emergency Management Office and at www.msema.org.