Getting the word out- it works!

Just last weekend the National Weather Service predicted a major outbreak of severe weather that was predicted to hit northern Oklahoma and central Kansas. The forecast proved to be correct and around 100 tornadoes were reported during the outbreak. Interestingly enough, no deaths were reported from the storms.

Getting the word out about potentially hazardous weather works in almost every case. Raising awareness through social media, our local radio station, web sites, email and text are great methods to reach the masses.

So what can we do to make it even better? Share the following information with your family and friends:

A tornado producing wall cloud

1. Our local radio station, FM 92 the Bullet, is dedicated to providing essential information and works with other local media outlets including Bates County Live to make sure no important details are overlooked. The station broadcasts on FM 92.1 and AM 1530. Their web site is www.921kmoe.com and it contains lots of information regarding weather, school closings and more. Always keep a battery operated radio with you during severe weather. A handheld fire/police scanner is also very handy- local fire departments and EMA services are called out for storm spotting and their initial reports can be life saving.

2. Subscribe to the free text messages from www.nixle.com to get up to the minute weather bulletins and police related matters in our area.

3. Purchase a weather radio. Radio Shack offers several models that can be purchase in store or on line for as low as $25. Click here to see what's available on their web site.

4. Make a plan for severe weather. That plan primarily should include where you will go for shelter. If you do not have a basement, visit with several of your neighbors who have basements about permission to go there if needed. Put a list of public shelters in plain sight in your home so that everyone has access to the same information. Lastly, make a plan of where/how to meet after the storm is over. Planning for severe weather should be handled just like planning for a fire in your home.

This storm shelter was recently used in Kansas

If you hear storm sirens or otherwise are informed that a tornado is in the area ACT IMMEDIATELY. Second guessing and procrastination has cost many people their lives.

Bates County Live is in the process of compiling a complete list of storm shelters throughout county and will be sharing this list with all our local media outlets. We are asking everyone to submit the names and locations of public storm shelters to please email them to us at bateswire@hotmail.com.