Emergency Management Director discusses severe weather preparedness

JACKSON Mo. (KBSI) – “It looks like we’re kind of at a low threat for anything right now, maybe some high wind. But again, we’re waiting to hear from the experts to make sure we know exactly what’s going to happen as things develop into the evening.”

Emergency Management Director Sam Herndon says as the spring season rolls in, being prepared for harsh storms is vital. One of Herndon’s biggest recommendations is to make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts.

“A lot of the community wants to rely on sirens as a way of being alerted, well those sirens are outdoor warning sirens.” Herndon said.

According to Herndon, its better to rely on alerts from weather apps, sign up for the county alert system, or follow the nation weather service on social media. He adds, “Charge your cellphones up make sure you’ve got batteries for any kind of flashlights for any kind of light in case you lose your power. You maybe have a weather radio as a great way to get alerts if there’s severe weather.”

He says making sure you have a basic disaster kit can be important. “So that way you can have light in the house, maybe have good drinking water if you have a well.”

Along with water and electricity, should be a first aid kit, plastic sheeting, a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and a local map.

The director says, “Make sure you’ve got food that can be easily cooked if you don’t have power, whether that be on an outdoor barbecue grill while you’re waiting on you power to be restored.”

To maintain your kit, keep canned food in a cool, dry place, store boxed food in tightly closed plastic containers. It is also best to keep a kit at home, work, and in your car since emergencies can be uncertain.