Spring has sprung...are you weather ready?

March 21-25 is Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week. This is the time to review your plans and be sure that you are “Weather-Ready.” Being prepared can help you and your family stay connected in an emergency.

Tips to be “Weather-Ready”:

• Know Your Risk: Tornadoes, large hail, damaging thunderstorm winds, floods and lightning can be deadly for the unprepared. Knowing the weather related risks is the first step in becoming Weather-Ready.

• Take Action: Be ready, make a plan. Know what to do if there is a tornado, if lightning becomes a hazard or if flooding becomes threatening. It may save your life and those around you.

• Be a Force of Nature: Look for ways to assist at work or in your community to help your family, neighbors, co-workers and the entire community prepare.

In 2015, the first report of severe weather in the Panhandle was on April 15. Late afternoon thunderstorms produced 60 MPH wind gusts near Sidney and 1-inch diameter hail near Kimball. The fist tornado touched down North of Bayard on June 25. Have your emergency plans in place – do you know what to do if you are at home, at work or in the car?

Severe Weather Awareness Week is also a time to test communications systems. There will be a statewide tornado drill Wednesday March 23 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

For sample plans and to learn more about how to stay safe and what to do before, during and after severe weather visit http://www.ready.gov.

For additional information visit http://www.pphd.org or call Tabi Prochazka, Emergency Response Coordinator, at Panhandle Public Health District at 308-487-3600 ext. 107 or toll free at 866-701-7173. 

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle.  Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle community.