For storm chasers, safety or risk assessment forms a vital part of the strategy in a storm chase. For the general public however, without formal training or an overall understanding of storms and their dangers places them at a higher risk of injury. Feel free to follow the directions of local authorities in risk assessment and associated procedures:
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornadoguide.html
http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/sevwx/safety_tips.shtml
Interestingly, with a tornado and bridge