Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week March 2 to 6

The National Weather Service, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency managers are promoting Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 2-6, to

help Missourians be prepared for dangerous tornadoes, severe storms, lightning and flooding.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Tips from SEMA. Severe storms can strike anywhere in Missouri with devastating results; therefore some simple advance planning and preparation can mean the difference between life and death. Planning should start with closely following weather updates (even if it interferes with your favorite local television programs) anytime severe weather is in the forecast. The safest shelter location is the basement or an interior room in the lowest level of a building. Other safe locations for businesses and schools include interior stairways and tornado safe rooms.  Here are some simple tips for awareness:

·     Tornado watch means watch the sky. A tornado may form during a thunderstorm.

·     Tornado warning means seek shelter immediately.

·     The safest shelter location is an interior room without windows on the lowest floor.

·     Do not seek shelter in a cafeteria, gymnasium or other large open room because the roof might collapse.

·     Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building.

·     Overpasses are not safe. Their under-the-girder-type construction can cause a dangerous wind tunnel effect.

·     If you are driving, stop and take shelter in a nearby building.

·     If you are driving in a rural area, drive away from the tornado to the closest building. If you cannot get away, seek shelter in a roadside ditch. Protect yourself from flying debris by covering your head with your arms, a coat or a blanket. Be prepared to move quickly in case the ditch fills with water.

·     Never drive into standing water. It can take less than six inches of fast moving water to make a slow moving car float. Once floating, a vehicle can overturn and sink.