FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- As spring and winter continue to battle for dominance in Alabama's weather system, officials urge those living and working in the area to be mindful of changing weather patterns.

Warmer air mixing with the slowly departing colder air can make for potential severe weather situations, said Cindy Howell, Fort Rucker Weather Operations assistant site manager.

"When warm, moist air meets cooler, dry air, bad things can happen," she said. "Like the hail storm we had (recently), which was unusual for this time of year. We can also experience things like strong thunderstorms and tornados."

According to Howell, Alabama has two peaks of severe weather activity - occurring between March and May, and again in November.

"Until the air mass modifies and we have the change in pattern that brings us into summer, then we'll see fronts come down, clash with the air masses and produce severe weather," she said.

Being prepared for dangerous weather scenarios is important no matter where you live, Howell added.

"Have a plan and know where in your home is your safe room," she said. "It needs to be an interior room, away from windows, like a basement or bathroom. Being in a car or mobile home is bad. They can become projectiles."

Staying alert is another way to avoid being in a bad situation when severe weather hits, she added.

"I'm old school in my notifications. I use a (battery-powered) weather radio to let me know if severe weather is threatening," she said. "If someone has a weather-alert application on their smart phone, that can be a useful way of staying alerted, too."

According to Lt. Col. Michael Hughes, Fort Rucker Emergency Operations officer, Fort Rucker will only sound the sirens when a possible or actual tornado affects Fort Rucker.

"Dale County and surrounding communities may sound their sirens due to a tornado warning, but if the possible or actual tornado won't affect Fort Rucker, ours won't be sounded," he said. "All personnel should purchase a (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio, which can be programmed to alert you of any severe weather watches and warnings for the county you are in. They are very low cost and available at (several different retail) stores."

While the Gulf Coast region is affected by the annual hurricane season from June 1-Dec. 1, thunderstorms and tornados can strike anytime, anywhere, Howell said.

"We've seen tornados pop up just about everywhere in the country at different times of the year," Howell said. "Usually, the peak time of activity is during the afternoon, but severe weather can happen at any time of day."

Earlier this week, the Fort Rucker area experienced strong winds accompanied by brief, strong thunderstorms. While this event was short-lived, Howell said it's important for those living and working at Fort Rucker to remain vigilant.

When severe weather becomes a threat to the installation, those on post should listen for warnings and instructions being broadcast over the post warning system.

Howell added people should review the Fort Rucker tornado warning and all-clear signals at http://www.rucker.army.mil/6weather/genwx.htm.

The Army's safety campaign, Ready Army, has more safety tips at its Web site, www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy.