Severe Weather Awareness Week Day 1

03/04/2013
Welcome to Day One of Severe Weather Awareness Week! Douglas County Emergency Management, Topeka National Weather Service, and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management have proclaimed March 4-8, 2013 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Douglas County and Kansas. According to the Storm Prediction Center, the US experienced 936 tornadoes in 2012. Kansas experienced 94 of those tornadoes; one of which occurred in Douglas County on February 28th. This places the number of tornadoes 33 above the 1950-2012 average of 61 and 18 below the past 10 year average of 112. April was the most active month in KS with 52 tornadoes, and April 14 was Kansas' most active day with 43 tornadoes. Over the next several days we will examine different severe weather threats and challenge you and your family to get prepared for the upcoming severe weather season. Post questions or tips on how you are prepared on our Facebook page or through Twitter. Watches Vs. Warnings A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued by the Topeka National Weather Service (NWS) when the weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm is likely to develop. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm is indicated by weather radar or a spotter reports at least 58 mph winds or 1 inch hail. You should take cover immediately. A Tornado Watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in your area. This is the time to review where the safest places within your business and home are located. Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take Cover Immediately on the lowest level, in an interior room with no windows! It's Up to YOU!! After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make.

Related Links:
Day 1 Flyer - http://bit.ly/SWAWDay1
Emergency Management Website - http://www.douglas-county.com/depts/em/em_home.aspx
Emergency Management on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/dgcoem
Emergency Management on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/dgcoem

Media Contact:
Jillian Rodrigue, Assistant Director
Emergency Management Department
785-838-2459
jrodrigue@douglas-county.com