Severe Weather Preparedness and Safety Highlights Awareness Week April 16-20
by National Weather Service
April 9, 2012
Warming daytime temperatures will soon signal the beginning of the thunderstorm season in Wyoming. The National Weather Service and emergency management officials around the state are encouraging residents to prepare now for the upcoming severe weather season. NWS offices are using Wyoming Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 16 through 20, to promote weather safety, preparedness plans, and to test statewide emergency communications systems.
"People tend to focus on tornadoes, but severe thunderstorms in Wyoming often mean damaging wind, large hail, flash flooding, and deadly lightning. It is important for people to understand what actions to take in the event hazardous weather occurs," said Chris Jones, warning coordination meteorologist at the Riverton NWS office. "This week serves as a reminder to talk with family and friends about proper safety actions and to have a plan. Knowing how you can best receive important weather alerts should be an important part of that plan."
An All Hazards NOAA Weather Radio receiver is an affordable and effective way to receive weather alerts and other emergency messages. The weather.gov/riverton website and local media outlets are two additional ways people can receive important weather watches and warnings and monitor forecast weather conditions.
A test Tornado Warning will be issued by the NWS for the entire state on Wednesday, April 18 at 10:30 am to ensure statewide emergency communications and alerting capabilities are ready for the thunderstorm season. The NWS along with local and state emergency officials are encouraging schools, health care facilities, and other large venues to use the drill as an opportunity to test internal emergency procedures for when severe weather threatens. Appropriate shelters and possible evacuation routes should be designated.
"Towns and counties should consider testing community outdoor warning sirens and other communications networks during the tornado drill," Jones added. The test will also allow media outlets serving as emergency alert system relay points to test their ability to broadcast severe weather warnings and messages.
For more information about Wyoming Severe Weather Awareness week, visit the National Weather Service website at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/cys/?n=severeweekWY.php
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