Tag Archives: Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 7 – 11; Monday reminder to bookmark pages and save apps

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JOPLIN, Mo. – Every year in the spring it’s time to remind everyone about being weather ready as severe weather approaches.  This year March 7 – 11, each day this week we will touch on something to help you get prepared.

Monday it’s about PREPAREDNESS.  We want to remind you to set bookmarks and download apps.

  • Set a bookmark for our KOAM MAPS AND APPS that will update you on road conditions and where to look.  You will also find ELECTRIC OUTAGE LINKS there too.
  • Each banner below links to the respective state where you can download the app, or use the portal to access active maps on your phone or digital device.

Tuesday is Tornado Preparedness. Statewide there will be a tornado drill at 10:00 a.m. weather permitting.

The links below will help you find out what you can do now to prepare for a tornado. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.

  • Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
  • Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
  • Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, such as a church or family member.
  • Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Check more ideas for your family plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
  • Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
  • Prepare Your Home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
  • Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.