If you hear a loud siren going off at 11 a.m. Wednesday, it is only a test (hopefully) of the local severe weather preparedness response. Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers believes everyone should participate.
Myers explained this week is the annual statewide tornado drill, which is part of the Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
“Each year, the National Weather Service sets the date for this,” Myers explained. “And it’s usually set for the beginning of March.”
Myers went on to explain that the tornado sirens are usually tested locally on the first Monday of every month; however, the weather preparedness week alters plans for the month of March.
Schools and businesses are encouraged to participate in the drill, as are families.
“It’s one of those things that no one wants to think about,” Myers remarked. “But having a disaster preparedness plan with your family is always a good idea.”
Myers went on to explain how in an emergency, family members could get separated from each other. For example: if a tornado strikes during the day while parents are at work and the children are home, it would be beneficial to have a plan every family member could follow.
“I always encourage people to have some level of involvement with disaster preparedness,” Myers noted. “Some people have weather radios, and that’s a good idea. I also encourage people to look into the phone apps that are designed for emergency notifications. There are several good ones in the app store that are free.”
While Wednesday involves use of the tornado sirens, each day of this week has a designated significance. Monday was a day for making emergency plans and receiving weather information. Tuesday was lightning safety day. Wednesday is tornado safety day. Thursday is hail and wind safety day, and Friday is flood safety day.
For those who might be interested, Myers explained that stormaware.mo.gov has many free resources available for families developing an emergency plan.
“Developing such a plan isn’t always something people like to think about,” Myers remarked. “It isn’t something that most people like to think about, but it’s a good idea to have something in place.”