Emergency management officials emphasize having a plan ahead of severe weather

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boone County Office of Emergency Management says if dangerously high winds start to hit the area you need to have a safety plan.

"The most important thing is to be prepared," said Elizabeth Thompson, the planning and preparedness specialist for the Boone County Office of Emergency Management. "You want to make a plan, make a kit and stay informed."

Thompson says when the strong wind hits, get in the basement. However, there are still safety precautions people can take if they don't have a basement.

"It's great to make friends with your lower floor neighbors if you do live in an apartment complex, or talk to the apartment complex manager about where safe places are, or maybe on the property," Thompson said.

Thompson says as a last resort, you can take shelter in your bathroom, which normally is in more interior spaces without windows. She says get in the bathtub and cover your neck and head.

The Stormtrack Weather Team issued a Weather Alert Day for the possibility of severe storms Thursday night into Friday morning, which includes dangerous winds.

Thompson also says only call 911 if you have a serious injury.

"We suggest that so that the calls to 911 that need immediate life-safety can get through to the center in a timely manner and that we can get the needed emergency response on the way to the person that needs it most," Thompson said.