Fom staff reports
news@joplinglobe.com
Joplin’s storm sirens were to be sounded at 1:30 p.m. today in connection with a statewide tornado drill.
The drill in both Missouri and Kansas was postponed Monday afternoon by the National Weather Service because of a slight risk of an actual tornado. Thunderstorms are possible today in parts of both states.
The drill is now scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday in both states.
The National Weather Service and the State Emergency Management Agency have declared March 8-12 as Severe Weather Awareness Week for Missouri. Officials are urging residents to develop an understanding of weather safety issues and to have a plan in place if bad weather happens.
Keith Stammer, director of the Joplin-Jasper County Office of Emergency Management, said he is encouraging residents to test their level of preparedness during the drill.
“This drill is another opportunity for residents to test their plan in a safe environment,” he said. “We hope everyone will take the drill seriously and react as if it were a real tornado warning, in order to see if they are truly prepared.”
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead in terms of where to go to seek shelter if a tornado strikes. They also should have an emergency kit packed with bottled water, nonperishable foods, necessary medications, a flashlight, batteries and a first-aid kit.
“Another tool that will help community members be prepared for emergencies is an all-hazards NOAA weather alert radio,” Stammer said. “These programmable radios operate on electricity with battery backup. They can be programmed to receive information for only the counties and topics of interest to the user.”
The radios may be purchased at local retailers.
Information on preparations for emergencies is available from the Joplin-Jasper County Office of Emergency Management, 623-5858.
