Severe Weather Preparedness

This is Severe Weather Awareness Week, and today is the day of the annual statewide Tornado Siren test. It happens at 1:30 this afternoon, and is being done across Kansas in conjunction with the weather service and emergency management officials. In 2011, the National Weather Service reported about 68 tornadoes statewide, and this serves as a reminder that severe weather can strike anywhere this tornado season.

KDHE recommends assembling an emergency disaster kit in advance. If you determine you need to take shelter, be sure every family member puts on hard-soled footwear and take your emergency disaster kit with you. An emergency disaster kit should contain:

· Non-perishable food items and water

· Manual can opener if your kit contains canned food

· Blankets or sleeping bags

· Change of clothing for each family member

· First-aid kit

· Prescription medications

· Sun block

· Flashlight and batteries

· NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio

· Set of car and house keys

· Whistle to signal for help

· Highway map that marks the counties to follow the storm

· Identification and a credit card or cash

· Any specific items you may need for children such as diapers or formula

Additional supplies and equipment may be necessary for family members with disabilities or medical conditions. Don’t forget your pets will also need supplies, including food, water, collars and leashes. For smaller animals you may want to have a crate or a cage to help keep them safe and close. Another good preparation tool is to designate an out-of-state friend or family member as your family contact in case weather strikes while your family members are apart.

Additional information about severe weather and being prepared is available at www.ready.gov.