As we transition from winter to spring, it’s time to start thinking about severe weather safety.
The National Weather Service designated March 3-7 Severe Weather Preparedness Week to promote diligent planning for inclement weather. Take this week to ensure you and your family are ready for the storms that come with the changing seasons.
Know the Risks and Plan Ahead
Spring and summer bring the potential for storms. Now is the time to develop a safety plan and understand the risks associated with severe weather:
- Tornadoes: Identify a safe shelter location, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or workplace.
- Flooding: Floodwaters can be deadly. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, and 12 inches can carry away a small car. Always remember: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
- Lightning: If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter indoors immediately.
Understand Watches, Advisories and Warnings
It’s essential to know the difference between these alerts:
- Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather. Stay alert.
- Advisory: Weather conditions may become hazardous, so be prepared.
- Warning: Severe weather is occurring or imminent. Take action immediately.
Stay Informed
Ensure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts by:
- Setting up a weather radio in your home.
- Downloading a weather app on your mobile device and turning on notifications.
- Signing up for NotifyJoCo to receive time-sensitive alerts, including weather warnings.
Tornado sirens function as an outdoor warning system and may not wake you if you’re asleep. Have additional notification methods in place to be notified of severe weather.
Statewide Tornado Drill
At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, Kansas will conduct a statewide tornado drill to test emergency preparedness. The City will conduct its regularly scheduled siren test at 11:15 a.m. These drills offer the perfect opportunity to review your severe weather plan and ensure you know what to do in case of a weather emergency.
For more severe weather preparedness tips, visit the National Weather Service website. Taking the time to prepare now can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.