ALERTS!
STORMS OVER TAYLORSVILLE, MARCH 2, 2012
Photos provided by Spencer County Sheriff's Department.
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March is Severe Weather Awareness Month across Kentucky
Thursday, 03 01, 2012
Contact: Buddy Rogers Office: 502.607.1611 Cell: 502.382.6006
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 1, 2012) – Past history and yesterday’s severe weather that swept through the Commonwealth tells us Kentucky’s most common threat is the weather. With that, Governor Steve Beshear signed a proclamation declaring March 2012 as Severe Weather Awareness Month, urging all Kentuckians to be prepared for severe weather. Kentuckians face many weather-related challenges throughout the year, from tornadoes, flooding, straight line winds, lightning and winter storms. Every household should be prepared to face these challenges.
During Gov. Beshear’s first administration, Kentucky had 10 presidentially declared federal disasters, all weather-related, ranking the state third in the nation in declared disasters in that period.
"Yesterday’s outbreak of severe weather and tornadoes that swept through Kentucky and neighboring states could have been much worse," said John Heltzel, director of Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM). "That is why preparedness starts at home. It starts with being aware of conditions and situations that threaten you and your family’s safety and then taking appropriate steps to protect yourselves."
If the lights go out, are you prepared? That is a simple but necessary question that we must all ask ourselves. In the event of a power outage, something as simple as having a flashlight, radio and extra batteries available can make a difference in your safety.
"Be prepared," Heltzel said. "You should have, at minimum, a three-day supply of food and water for each member of your family, along with essentials such as: medicines, flash lights, radio, extra batteries, matches, candles, first aid supplies, etc."
Along with an emergency kit, every household and business should have an emergency plan and weather alert radios. Remember outdoor warning sirens are not intended to alert people indoors.
As a part of Severe Weather Awareness Month, on Tuesday, March 6, at approximately 10:07 a.m. EST, the National Weather Service, partnering with KYEM and the Kentucky Broadcasters Association, will conduct a tornado test message that will activate NOAA Weather Radios and broadcast media. Schools, businesses and citizens across the Commonwealth are encouraged to participate in the annual Statewide Tornado Safety Drill. A survey will be available online, allowing KYEM and other officials to measure and improve preparedness for such occasions.
The survey, Governor’s proclamation, items for an emergency kit and plan, additional weather information and important links are available at
kyem.ky.gov/preparedness.
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