I think the tornado danger is exaggerated. In the Nebraska and Iowa areas, at least, there are good warnings systems and if you have a basement you'll fine even if a big one wrecks your house. Whenever you hear this sound [1] just grab your family and a beer and chill out in the basement for a bit!
The danger is if you live in a trailer park without shelter, on land that has a history of tornadoes... The actual danger seems to be a problem of poverty. :(
I've heard that sound two times in my life (in Georgia). Only one was a tornado anywhere near structures and people. We get thunderstorm and tornado watches every time a storm moves in.
The odds of a tornado occurring are slim already, and the odds of being impacted by it even slimmer. I think it helps being right at the edge of the tornado risk map where storms are already weak.
The danger is if you live in a trailer park without shelter, on land that has a history of tornadoes... The actual danger seems to be a problem of poverty. :(
[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdn5Qo4kEWQ