Missouri severe weather preparedness week aims to prepare citizens for the upcoming months of severe weather

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The National Weather Service, State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency managers encourage Missourians to learn more about severe weather and how to protect themselves during Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

This comes after the same system that went through Missouri this weekend killed seven people including two children near Des Moines, Iowa.

ABC 17 Chief Meteorologist, Jessica Hafner, says typically the severe weather season in Missouri is March through May. Hafner says there is a secondary severe weather season in October and November, but she said it's not unusual that severe weather hits at different times of the year.

On Dec. 10, severe storms and six confirmed tornadoes in Missouri killed two people and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and buildings, as well as 20 large transmission towers and lines that move power between Missouri and Arkansas. The storm system serves as another reminder that deadly tornadoes can strike any time of year.

Hafner says in the month of December, we had 95 severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings combined across the state and three tornado watches.

Elizabeth Thompson with the Boone County Office of Emergency Management says each day during the week is designated to a specific severe weather hazard.

"Monday is receiving alerts and make a plan which are two steps that all citizens can take to be prepared for severe weather. Tuesday we're going to focus on tornadoes, everyone's favorite spring severe hazard, Wednesday is lightning safety day, I believe followed by thunderstorms and then ending the week on flooding," Thompson said.

Thompson said there are four steps that citizens should follow to be prepared for all of the hazards that could come in the next few months. "Those are being formed, make a plan, build a kit, and then lastly, get involved," Thompson said.

Thompson recommends taking personal steps around your home ahead of upcoming severe weather.

"Make sure that you take pets inside and that they're not left outdoors during the storm. Make sure that you take loose furniture inside or secure it so that it's not blown all over the neighborhood the next morning," Thompson said.

The statewide tornado drill will happen Tuesday at 10 a.m. meaning all 93 tornado sirens around the Boone County will sound.

Thompson said this is a good time for schools and businesses to discuss their severe weather plans. "That would entail identifying and going to your tornado safe spot, which should be the most interior room on the lowest level of the structure."

The University of Missouri will be participating in the drill tomorrow. Sara Diedrich, Public Safety Information Specialist for the university, said tomorrow's drill will be a test of the university's emergency system which includes alert beacons in buildings across campus, computer desktop notifications, text messages and social media posts. 

Diedrich said the university will also be sharing some tips with students on what to do in the case that severe weather hits with they are on campus. These include: find a sturdy building and go inside, seek shelter in interior rooms and corridors, stay away from windows, glass and objects that could fall on you, do not use elevators, resist temptation to go outside and check the weather conditions, await further instructions via MU Alert and emergency personnel, and do not leave until an "All Clear" is given or emergency personnel arrive.

Tina Potthoff with Hy-Vee said all stores participate in the drill every year and has plans in place to keep everyone safe.

"We notify customers right away over the intercom and then we have freezers and coolers in the back of our stores.  They're basically a building within a building and so that's usually the safest place to take customers," Potthoff said.

Hafner said with the uncertainty, the best advice is for people to be on their guard all year around.

"Make sure you have batteries in your weather radio, flashlights, emergency kit all year around just because severe weather can hit anytime of year here in Missouri," Hafner said.

To stay up to date on the weather in your area, you can download the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather app to get alerts sent straight to your phone.

The Mexico Public Safety Department and Audrain County Joint Communications will also participate in the tornado drill by activating the outdoor warning sirens in the area.