If severe weather hits, will you be ready? Monday kicks off Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the goal is to make sure everyone is prepared for the worst.
It's that time of year again, when severe weather can strike at any moment, and anywhere.
"Sioux Falls is the 19th most likely city in the country to be struck by a tornado in the month of May. So that May, June time-frame is when we really get worried and want people to get ready," Sioux Falls Emergency Manager Regan Smith said.
So how can you prepare for the dangers of a storm? One way is to be alerted ahead of time.
"Your usual TV, radio broadcasters do a great job. NOAA weather radios. The outdoor warning sirens. And now social media and then there's some great apps from the Red Cross and others that let people know," Smith said.
KELOLAND TV's Stormtracker app is one of those. It works wherever you are, putting an interactive radar, a severe weather alert system and current conditions all in the palm of your hand.
After the storm hits, you'll need supplies to survive.
The Red Cross sells pre-made, 72-hour emergency kits for $50; complete with a weather radio, water, food and basic hygiene supplies. You can also make your own kit at home, using a list fromRedCross.org.
They also have information on creating emergency plans.
"It's one thing to make the plan, but if you never practice it then you really don't know what you're doing. You think you do. When you're in your home you feel that's your safe place. But the reality is you have to try it. And once you try it, you're going to identify challenges that you had that you didn't think you would," Sioux Empire Red Cross Executive Director Tony Burke said.
And the more challenges you can avoid, the better your chance for survival.
http://www.keloland.com/newsdetail.cfm/severe-weather-awareness-week/?id=178897
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