A watch is not a warning, but it is not background noise either. Use that window to bring people, pets, and loose outdoor items closer to safety.
A severe thunderstorm watch can make an ordinary afternoon feel unsettled. The sky may still be bright. Nothing may be falling. That is exactly why the watch matters: conditions are favorable for severe storms, and you still have time to prepare without rushing.
Bring pets inside and secure chairs, umbrellas, bins, and anything else strong wind could lift. Charge your phone, find a flashlight, and check that weather alerts are enabled. Decide where everyone will go if a warning is issued. In a house, choose an interior room away from windows. At work or school, avoid large open rooms and glass.
Keep an eye on official alerts and radar, especially if you are traveling, boating, hiking, or running an outdoor event. A watch often covers a broad area, so it does not mean every neighborhood will be hit. It does mean plans should stay flexible.
If the watch becomes a severe thunderstorm warning for your location, stop monitoring and move to shelter. Damaging wind or large hail may be close. A sturdy building is best; a hard-top vehicle is safer than remaining outside if no building is available.
There is no prize for waiting until the first branch falls. Use the quieter watch period to make the next decision easy. For the wider alert hierarchy, read the difference between a watch and a warning.