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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2008 No. 08-027
KANSANS URGED TO PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER SEASON Along with the strong winds of March comes the potential for more severe weather in Kansas. And that means every Kansan should be prepared for the potential of tornadoes and other strong storms. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed a proclamation declaring the week of March 10-14 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas. During Severe Weather Awareness Week, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, in coordination with the National Weather Service, Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Emergency Management Association and other state, local and volunteer agencies and organizations, host events designed to make the public more aware about severe weather and how to prepare for, as well as respond to, emergencies. A statewide tornado drill will be conducted on Tuesday, March 11. All Kansans should practice their severe weather safety plan at home, work, school or other location during this time. Know where to seek shelter should severe weather threaten and know how long it will take you to reach that shelter. “In the past year alone, we’ve seen what tremendous devastation tornadoes, flooding and other severe storms can cause,” said Gov. Sebelius. “It’s a reminder to us all to take the necessary steps to be prepared for emergencies.” “Severe weather affects every Kansan at some point and it’s up to each of us to do everything possible to prepare for emergencies,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the Kansas adjutant general and director of Kansas Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “I encourage all Kansans to make a home emergency kit and to prepare and practice home emergency plans.” In 2007, Kansas was hit by a record-breaking 137 tornadoes including the EF5 tornado in Greensburg, Kan. on May 4, which caused severe devastation in that community. The 2007 total is 80 above the 1950-2007 average of 57 tornadoes. Tragically, there were 15 deaths and 82 injuries that resulted from tornadoes in Kansas last year. Record numbers of tornadoes occurred in Kansas in February, March and May of last year. Record flooding also occurred during the 2007 severe weather season with millions of dollars in damage to personal property, commercial property and infrastructure. While tornadoes often get the most attention, thunderstorm winds frequently cause more damage and occur more often than tornadoes. In addition, flooding, particularly flash flooding, claims the lives of more people than any other weather emergency. “We all need to be cautious and use common sense any time there
is severe weather,” said Bunting. -30- |
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