Boone County Office of Emergency Management reminds people of safety protocols during extreme weather
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Boone County Office of Emergency Management is reminding residents about extreme weather safety as Mid-Missouri is forecasted to be hit with high winds, heavy rain, and risks for hail and tornadoes on Easter weekend.
In a Facebook post Friday, the BCOEM reminds drivers to avoid driving through moving and high water.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency also advises people not to walk or swim through flood waters and to stay off bridges with fast-moving water in case of flooding.
According to FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer Viewer, the City of Columbia has risks of flooding around many creeks and streams in the area, like Hinkson and Bear Creek.
The National Weather Service has a flood warning in effect for Hinkson Creek, Petite Saline Creek and Moreau River.
FEMA also reminds people to have an emergency shelter plan, ideally located in a windowless basement or at the lowest level of a building. The shelter should be stocked with food, water and medical supplies.
If a tornado touches down, people should seek shelter immediately. Drivers should exit their vehicles and find a place low or dug into the ground to lie in. It's also recommended to avoid bridges and underpasses during a tornado.
