Make Family Storm Emergency Plans Now

Severe Weather Season Approaches

When temperatures warm in Cassville and Barry County, it is time to turn attention to severe storm family plans. It is important that every family and individual have a severe storm emergency plan and rehearse it periodically.

Cassville-area residents are urged to identify appropriate areas of refuge both at home and at work. Family members should know where each member plans to be when a weather alert or warning is issued for the area.

Possible areas of refuge to consider:
• Home: If appropriate, consider basements, interior hallways, closets and bathrooms without windows
• Neighbors: Talk to neighbors ahead of time about using their basements as refuge.
• Churches: Talk to your church to determine if members may use areas for refuge during severe storms

Many people show up at facilities that cannot accommodate them and are unhappy when turned away. Typically, schools and hospitals are not prepared for storm refuge. Please do not attempt to find refuge at Cassville-area hospitals or schools.

“We encourage everyone to seriously think through a plan and make arrangements prior to when a storm appears,” said Cassville Emergency Director / Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr. “No one can be overly prepared for severe weather.”

Chief Kammerlohr recommends all families prepare a safety kit to carry during an emergency. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Some items to include are:
• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation,
2-week supply for home)
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Radio: battery-powered or hand-crank(NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit, medications (7-day supply) and medical items

For additional items to include in a kit, please refer to the websites below. These emergency and government websites offer valuable information:
• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
• Federal Emergency Management Administration: www.fema.gov/plan
• Missouri Emergency Management: www.sema.dps.mo.gov
• National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/om/severeweather