The annual Weather 101 severe weather safety event is returning to Lawrence on Thursday to kick off Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The presentation by the National Weather Service Topeka office is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 2 at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. It’s free and open to the public, and it will include information about severe thunderstorm development, identification of important features, and safety and preparedness tips, according to a news release from Douglas County.
“This is a great event for those who may be new to the area, less familiar with severe weather terms or life-safety actions, or are looking for an informative and exciting severe weather refresher training,” according to the release. “All Hazard Radios will be sold with on-site programming available, and assistance with signing up for Douglas County’s free Call Notification System will also be offered.”
That event will lead into Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 6-10 — a great time to review and practice severe weather plans for your home, school and/or workplace.
“It’s up to each of us to know the right steps to take in order to ensure our safety should severe weather strike,” according to the release.
Each day of the week will have a theme. Douglas County Emergency Management will focus on different severe weather safety and preparedness topics, according to the release:
• Monday: Plan Ahead: Understanding Terminology & Getting Alerts
• Tuesday: Taking Cover (Statewide Tornado Drill) — outdoor tornado warning siren testing will occur at 10 a.m., weather permitting
• Wednesday: Floods/Flash Floods
• Thursday: Personal Preparedness and Business Continuity
• Friday: Thunderstorms and Lightning
Find lots of tips on severe weather and other emergency preparedness on DgCoEM’s website at this link. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
“Staff will be monitoring social media to connect with the community and answer severe weather preparedness questions,” according to the release.
You can also call them directly at 785-832-5259 if you have any questions regarding preparedness activities for your home, office or other organization, according to the release.
Emergency Management recommends that each household and business have more than one way to receive severe weather watches, warnings and other vital information so that you can stay ahead of severe weather threats, according to the release. One way to receive those alerts via text message, email or phone call is by signing up for Douglas County’s free call notification system. Visit dgcoks.org/emalerts to sign up.
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