Be Prepared This Severe Weather Season

As Severe Weather Season approaches, it’s an important time to make sure you and your family are prepared for a variety of storm situations, including hail, flash flooding and tornadoes.

“Emergency officials typically recommend residents be prepared to be self-sufficient for a period of up to 72 hours,” according to Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.

Some general tips for preparedness include:

• Have a plan. Practice tornado drills with your family and talk to your kids about what they would do if there is a tornado at school, church, if they were home alone, etc…
• Have an adequate supply of necessary medical supplies, including prescriptions
• Remember tornado sirens are intended to alert those outside, not inside. If you are indoors, you likely won’t hear them.
• Know where the nearest storm shelter is and the rules they operate under.  Shelters are not maintained or operated by the county, so each church, school, city may have different guidelines for operation / use.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Do not drive through flood waters.
• Keep a “survival kit” handy, with flashlights, phone charger, first aid kit, clothing, medications, bottled water, and non-perishable food items.
• Listen to News Talk KZRG on FM 102.9, FM 105.9, AM 1310 when severe weather is imminent. We will provide you with full coverage.
• Download the KZRG app to get severe weather alerts sent directly to your cell phone.