Second Peak of Severe Weather Season
Posted: 09.27.2011 at 1:22 PM
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In case you haven’t read the Joplin tornado assessment, let me summarize it for you, people did not respond to the tornado warnings when they were issued.  This is what lead to the death of more than 160 in the town.

With these recent findings, I wanted to take the time to remind you that we are entering the second peak of severe weather season in Missouri.  While it may have been rather quiet weather-wise the last few weeks, you always want to make sure you have a plan in place in-case of disaster.  

Viewer Tip:  Are you prepared? Make sure you have the supplies and information you need to stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

Get a Kit.  Keep an emergency supply kit at home that will cover the basics of survival.  You’ll need food, fresh water, clean air and a way to stay warm.  You may also need vital medicine.  Subscribe to WeatherCall to receive highly accurate warnings sent directly to you, via a phone call or text message, if you are in the path of danger.

Already have one?  Check expiration dates on medicine or dry goods in your emergency kits.  Make sure batteries are fresh that may operate a flash light or radio.  Login to WeatherCall to make sure your subscription is current.

Have a Plan.  All family members need to know how you will contact one another, as well as, how you will get back together and what you will do in different emergency situations. Find out if your workplaces, daycares and schools have emergency plans.

Consider Your Needs.   Remember that additional planning may be required for older individuals, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.  Needs and abilities are all different.  Evaluate your own personal needs and making an emergency plan.  Committing to a plan today, will help prepare you for any emergency situation.  
 Tips for older people. 
 Tips for people with disabilities or special needs. 
 Tips for people with pets.

Know the Situation.  Find out what kinds of natural and man-made disasters may occur in your area. Find out how you will be notified of an emergency in your community.  Will it be via TV or radio broadcasts, sirens, telephone calls, etc.  Also learn about emergency plans established by your state or local government.

KRCG along with the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies have a responsibility to warn the public when severe weather threatens.  In certain circumstances, even that warning may not be enough to save a life.  But every resident of Mid-Missouri would be wise to have a plan for taking cover and following that plan when the sirens blare.