In a sad ironic twist, the day before the Barton County Commission approved a proclamation denoting this as Severe Weather Awareness Week saw deadly tornados that killed 23 people in Lee County, Ala.
“I’d ask you to think about those people,” Emergency Management Director Amy Miller said. “And, as a result, think about your own family.”
Every year, the Kansas Emergency Management Association, the National Weather Service and local emergency managers throughout the state of Kansas want to call awareness to the upcoming spring severe weather season, she said.
“We’d like to remind everyone to please prepare themselves.”
Even with frigid reminders of winter lingering, thunderstorms, hail and other spring severe weather is just around the corner, Miller said. Spring officially begins March 20.
With that being the case, Miller called attention to the Storm Fury on the Plains coming to Great Bend Thursday to the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin. There will be two sessions, one at 2:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m.
In cooperation with Miller’s office, this weather presentation by Wichita-based National Weather Service meteorologists teaches the public all they need to know to recognize severe weather, she said. “I’d really like to encourage everyone to go to that,” so more folks are able to spot bad weather.
This follows the statewide tornado drill that took place at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Miller said she hoped people took the opportunity to rehearse their drills and/or considered how ready they are.
The proclamation encourages individuals, businesses and communities to educate themselves, plan and prepare for severe weather. This awareness and preparedness is for all spring severe weather, which includes tornadoes, wildfires, drought, large hail, severe thunderstorms, lightning, flooding and flash floods.
“All Barton County citizens are reminded to stay up to date on weather forecasts, be prepared during a watch, and be ready to take proper shelter during a warning,” the proclamation reads. “And all citizens, businesses and schools are encouraged to prepare and practice personal safety plans.”
Preparation works
Although 45 tornadoes were recorded in the state last year, there were no deaths attributed to these storms, the KDEM reported. In 2017, it was even better, with 60 documented tornadoes and no deaths.
Credit for these achievements can be attributed in some measure to early warnings, storms spotters and public preparedness, said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the KDEM.
“We have seen how being prepared and weather-aware can help reduce storm-related injuries and deaths,” Morgan said. “It doesn’t take much time or a lot of money to make a home emergency kit and keeping on top of the weather is as simple as turning on your radio or television when severe weather threatens.”
To remind Kansans to continue their storm vigilance and preparedness, Gov. Laura Kelly signed last Friday a Severe Weather Awareness Week proclamation as well.
“Each year, spring brings new life to our state but it also brings the potential for disaster and destruction from tornadoes, floods, hail and other forms of severe weather,” said Kelly. “Severe Weather Awareness Week is the ideal time for all Kansans to think about their emergency plans for home and business, to act on those plans and make sure they are ready for whatever comes our way.”
Why prepare?
“Should a severe weather event happen, first responders are very busy,” Miller said. The better prepared you are, the fewer people the first responders will have to help during a disaster.
“There is a lot of information out there on how to prepare yourself, your family and your business,” she said. This starts on her county Emergency/Risk Management Office tab on the county website. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and other entities also have tips available.
In short, she said residents need to create a disaster and communications plan for their families and pets. It is also important to assemble a disaster supply kit with flashlights, radios, batteries, food and water, first aid kit, whistle, important family documents and medications, go bags, and other important items. Make sure contact numbers and emails in cell phones are current to notify friends and family members in the event of a disaster.
Commission Chairwoman Alicia Straub said it is important to teach small children to watch the weather also,
Storm Fury on the Plains roars into town Thursday
The Storm Fury on the Plains is coming to Great Bend Thursday to the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin. There will be two sessions, one at 2:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m.
In cooperation with the Barton County Emergency Management Office, this weather presentation by Wichita-based National Weather Service meteorologists teaches the public all they need to know to recognize severe weather, Emergency Manager Amy Miller said. “I’d really like to encourage everyone to go to that,” so more folks are able to spot bad weather.”
Although 45 tornadoes were recorded in the state last year, there were no deaths attributed to these storms, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management reported. In 2017, it was even better, with 60 documented tornadoes and no deaths.
Credit for these achievements can be attributed in some measure to early warnings, storms spotters and public preparedness, said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the KDEM.
Items to Include in a basic emergency supply kit:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
Additional items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit from the Federal Emergency Management Agency ready.gov website:
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
More information from the Barton County Emergency Management Office:
• Get Prepared, create a Disaster and Communications Plan for your family. Don’t forget to make a plan for your pets too.
• Learn about plans at work and school.
• Assemble a disaster supply kit
• Install smoke alarms and learn to use a fire extinguisher.
• Make sure all family members have current immunizations.
• Get Trained in First Aid and CPR.
• Be aware. Watch TV, listen to the radio, sign up for text alerts, and check the Internet for information and instructions.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions and listen to a local radio or television station for information.
• Monitor a NOAA Weather radio by tuning to 162.500 MHz, for the Barton County tower.
For more information contact Barton County Emergency Management at the courthouse, 1400 Main, Room 108, Great Bend, or call 620-793-1919.
Other resources included: emermgnt@bartoncounty.org; ready.gov, www.redcross.org, emergency.cdc.gov.
