Airmen learn to weather storms

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  More than 94 tornados struck Kansas in 2012.

In order to continue the preparedness of the base, a Severe Weather class was held March 6.

While some of McConnell's Airmen are natives of "Tornado Alley," many come from a variety of states facing other weather disasters.

The Severe Weather class attempts to close the knowledge gap. The class was part of the larger Severe Weather Week. The week is meant to remind Kansas to prepare for severe weather and the dangers it poses.

"This is one of the most important classes I do every year because I deal with folks who didn't grow up with this weather," said Cody Charvat, Sedgwick County Emergency Management training and exercise officer.

Charvat has been teaching the class to Team McConnell members on base for five years and the March 6, class was the largest he has had with 30 students.

This program was presented by Sedgwick County Emergency Management and offered education about severe weather and ways to stay safe. The focus of this class was: the types of storms in Kansas; how storms are formed and how to recognize the dangers with each; the notification processes; actions to take before, during and after; and provide protective action for your family.

"It's very important we reach this audience and that's why I am glad to have the chance every year," said Charvat.

One example Charvat used to stress the importance of severe weather safety was the tornado on April 14, 2012, which caused more than $500 million in damage and 38 injuries in the Wichita, Kan., area.

Tornados weren't the only subject for the class; it included information about thunderstorms, hail, high winds and flash floods in order to educate Airmen.

"I think the class went well and it covered lots of topics," said Staff Sgt. Shannon Lee, 22nd Civil Engineering Squadron Emergency Management logistic NCO in charge. "I am from Massachusetts so this weather is unheard of."

The class was a two hour session, but McConnell Emergency Management tentatively has plans to increase the turn out by offering a one hour class.

The future class will still be open to anyone with access to McConnell AFB but in a quicker and concise fashion. For more information, contact emergency management at (316) 759-3136.