Kansas and Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week scheduled for next week

  • Published
  • By NOAA's National Weather Service Forecast Office Web Site
Pleasant Hill, Mo. --  The National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill, in conjunction with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management agencies, will observe the annual statewide Severe Weather Awareness Week for both Kansas and Missouri March 9 through March 13.

The statewide tornado drill for both states, will take place on March 10 at 1:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the test day will be postponed to March 12 at 1:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill will issue a test tornado warning as part of the drill. Local warning sirens, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration All-Hazards Weather Radio, and the Emergency Alert System will be activated upon receipt of this warning, to signal the start of the drill.

The "TOR" code for EAS and NOAA Weather Radio will be used again this year to simulate what would occur in the event of an actual tornado warning. Area residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual tornado emergency.

The purpose of the annual drill is to test everyone's readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods, large hail, and damaging winds.

Area residents, businesses, schools and emergency management are encouraged to use Severe Weather Awareness Week as their springboard into preparing for the 2009 severe weather season. Daily themes during this week will include:

  • Monday - Preparedness Day
  • Tuesday - Tornadoes Day 
  • Wednesday - Flash Flood Day 
  • Thursday - Thunderstorm Day 
  • Friday - NOAA Weather Radio Day
The 2009 severe weather season can quickly become quite active across the country, so it is imperative to prepare now. Residents are encouraged to use this week, and the annual test day, to review their severe weather safety plans. Practice what you would do in a real severe weather emergency.

Now would be a good time to inspect your disaster kits. Below is a short list of some items that could help during a disaster.
  • Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
  • Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
    • non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
    • foods for infants or the elderly
    • snack foods
    • non-electric can opener
    • cooking tools / fuel
    • paper plates / plastic utensils
  • Blankets / Pillows, etc.
  • Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
  • First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
  • Special Items - for babies and the elderly
  • Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
  • Flashlight / Batteries
  • Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
  • Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
  • Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
  • Keys
  • Toys, Books and Games
  • Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
    • insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
  • Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
  • Vehicle fuel tanks filled
  • Pet care items
    • proper identification / immunization records / medications
      ample supply of food and water
      a carrier or cage
      muzzle and leash