Severe weather stress part of High Plains life
Regardless of where you live in the High Plains at some point you will encounter severe weather.
In recent weeks it has been record cold while others have seen big snowstorms. Other regions have wildfires (and farmers and ranchers know those can pop up at any time of year.)
March 3 to 7 has been set for Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Conne Burnham, emergency management coordinator and emergency management state specialist for the University of Missouri Extension, notes she never hears anyone talk about where his or her safe place is in the event of a severe storm or tornado.
“Many people do not have a basement and have not identified where they could go if needed,” Burnham said. “These storms can come up in a short amount of time and if you haven’t thought through this prior to the event, you will find yourself in trouble.
“Think about kids that are at home without their parents; do they know where to go? If you have people in your home that are elderly or disabled, will they know where to go? Have they planned with neighbors, church members, or friends that they could call upon to help them get to a safe place in case their family is not there or available?”
Another issue is having a communication plan, she said. This plan needs to outline how to connect with family and/or friends after an event.
As spring approaches, emergency preparedness is crucial due to the increased risk of tornadoes and flooding, and even late season winter storms may hit some areas, Missouri Extension notes. Many disasters can strike with little warning. Tornadoes can form rapidly leaving just minutes for individuals to find shelter. Heavy spring rains can lead to flash flooding.
Missouri Extension said by raising awareness and encouraging proactive planning, individuals and communities can mitigate risks and improve their ability to respond effectively. This includes having emergency kits ready, knowing evacuation routes, paying attention to weather alerts and developing communication plans for families and workplaces.
Each state in the High Plains has its own records of devastation and that requires residents to pay attention and have an actionable plan that not only protect their family, but employees, too.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to have an emergency kit. The kit should cover First Aid, provide a three-day supply of water and nonperishable food (for each family member including pets), and a change of clothes and shoes for each family member. It should also include prescription medicine and special needs items; battery powered radio and NOAA weather radio, cash and a credit card, flashlights with extra batteries, a whistle (to call for help), and a cell phone charger (one that is solar and battery powered.)
We want all our farmers, ranchers, rural and urban residents to be safe and weather aware. Property can be restored, but the loss of a human life is never recovered.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
