Kansas residents can appreciate the story of the person getting ready for the week’s weather in March: in gathering their outdoor items they included: their umbrella, flip flops, mittens, suntan lotion, winter coat, sunglasses, thermal underwear and stocked their supply of iced tea and chocolate.
Last week was Severe Weather Preparedness week in the state and Barton County Emergency Management Director Sean Kelly has announced that on March 26 at 6:30 p.m., the National Weather service and Barton County Emergency Management will present “Storm Fury on the Plains,” a storm identification seminar.
The seminar is open to the public.
Kelly notes that the severe weather season can begin in March, but is most active from April through June, when residents can expect severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods and hail.
Officials advise to have plans for severe weather
“Barton County residents are no stranger to severe weather,” he said. “They’ve seen their fair share of it in the last five years.” As an example, in 2019 the county had severe flooding, winds in excess of 80 mph, fourinch hail and a few tornadoes. Last year, the county had 16 severe thunderstorm watches, 82 severe thunderstorm warnings and four tornado warnings issued.
“Being prepared for severe weather is the biggest thing residents and businesses can do,” Kelly said. “By creating plans for themselves, their family, customers, and pets, for what to do in the event of severe weather, they are helping foster a more resilient community.”
Tornado plans
Kelly advises tornado plans that include where to go for shelter at home or in a business; stocking sufficient emergency supplies such as flashlights and batteries; radios; nonperishable foods; first aid kits, blankets, medicines and a cell phone with charger. Making sure that pets are adequately prepared with food and water should be part of the plan as well.
“Ask yourself: ‘Does our family know what to do when there is a tornado warning siren? And are we testing our plan?” he said.
“Tornados carry some of the most volatile winds on the planet and pack a punch when they do touch down,” he said. “Due to the shear strength of the wind, they can topple structures and lift heavy items and toss them aside. Flying debris and wind speeds are the biggest hazards with tornados.” Don’t be thunderstruck
“Severe thunderstorms are host to a range of hazards such as hail, straight line winds, flooding, and lightning,” Kelly said. “Each of these has its own risks but severe storms tend to bring more than one at a time. Getting caught outside in a sever thunderstorm can be deadly.”
Best areas to shelter include basements or a designated tornado shelter that can be above or below ground. Good areas include the interior room of a well-built structure away from windows.
Avoid areas such as open gymnasiums, top floors and exterior rooms, near windows, outside in general, underneath highway overpass, which provides no protection from flying debris or a vehicle. Turn around, don’t drown “It only takes 6 inches of swift moving water to knock someone of their feet; 12 inches of swift moving water to float and carry a car or small SUV; and 18 inches to carry away larger vehicles,” Kelly advised.
Driving or walking in flood waters are dangerous for several reasons. Deep water or fast moving water may hide damage to the roadway underneath. There may also be health hazards from debris and pollutants.
Be informed
Kelly stressed that people should have multiple ways to receive weather notifications such as National Weather Service updates, NOAA weather Radios, radio stations and weather apps.
They can research severe weather preparedness by going to the National Weather Services webpage or checking Barton County’s webpage.
“I encourage people to follow updates on our Facebook pages Barton County Emergency Management, Barton County, KS, and Barton County Communications/911 for more helpful information about severe weather and for weather updates.”
