Being prepared for severe weather during a pandemic
It’s April going into May and that means its severe weather season. With the fear of COVID-19, people are still wondering what to do to protect their family.
Jasper County and Joplin Emergency Manager Keith Stammer says with the constant threat of the coronavirus people don’t know if they need to risk their family’s health. So should they take them to a shelter when bad weather hits? The simple answer according to Stammer, “YES”. If you can shelter in place safely, then do so, and if not, get to a shelter and do your best to stay protected from COVID-19.
Stammer says, “…have a kit, have a plan, be aware and realize, if it’s time to go to shelter… by all means go to a shelter.”
So, make a kit. Your kit should have a backpack or box with clothes, food, medicine, water, a flashlight and a radio with batteries. Then put your kit in a place where you’ll shelter and is easily accessible.
As for a plan, know where you are going to shelter and be ready for anything that you may encounter. If you must shelter with others, wear a mask and gloves and do your best to stay 6-feet away. Although that may be hard, outrunning severe weather is much harder.
When it comes to the devastating power of a tornado or other severe threat the last thing you should do is ignore the warnings. Being alert and prepared is the key.