As we enter a new season, we enter a peak of severe weather and Fayette County Emergency Management Agency is reminding all of us of what to do in the event of severe weather.
“As we progress through out the next few months, we enter a peak of severe weather season,” said Fayette County Emergency Management Director Fulton Terry. “It’s important that plans are made ahead of time to help eliminate serious injuries or loss of lives.”
Severe weather conditions may affect our area at any time, according to Terry.
“Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning of the spring and summer,” he asked.
According to Terry, severe watches – whether a thunderstorm or tornado — means conditions are favorable for development of a severe thunderstorm or tornado.
“A severe warning means a threat is in the area. Stay indoors, monitor local weather broadcasts for current information, and remember, tornadoes can form during thunderstorms,” he said.
If storms are severe, stay indoors if at all possible, he advised.
Terry said we can follow a couple steps that could potentially save the lives of many:
- Don’t jam phone lines; save them for emergency use
- Listen to weather bulletins and information from state and local authorities
The warning systems (sirens) will continue to be activated until the warning is over, according Terry.
Fayette County tests all outdoor and indoor weather monitoring systems at noon on the fourth Friday of every month, including a new siren that was recently installed in the Buena Vista area.
“Tests at the malls are conducted 8:30 to 8:45 a.m. each month,” he said.
Anyone with questions about severe weather may phone Terry at (740) 335-8264.