National Severe Weather Awareness Week March 6th through March 10th

Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 6th through March 10th. So take this coming week to refresh yourself on what to do about hazards like tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding, all of which inevitably impact Kansas yearly.

The National Weather Service (NWS) urges everyone to be “Weather-Ready” by knowing what appropriate actions to take if needed and helping others learn how to prepare for a disaster. Focus on preparedness, tornado safety, lightning, hail and wind, and flood safety.

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, a tornado drill will occur on Tuesday, March 7th, at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time. The NWS suggests everyone consider the drill an actual event and practice their severe weather safety plan. Also, make a “tornado kit” that includes a radio, batteries, bottled water, snacks, blankets, pillows, etc.

In the event of a tornado, move to an interior room on the lowest floor or basement of a sturdy building; avoid windows; if in a mobile home, a ve-hicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Remember, a tornado siren is a steady blast that contiwnues for approximately three to five minutes.

To get an email or text message for severe weather alerts, people can call the Rooks County Emergency Management Director Butch Post at 785-425-6818.