Storm Preparedness

Though still in the midst of winter the storm spotter classes are starting to meet around the state. And, just this week the rumble of thunderstorms was heard across Kansas as a front moved through with strong winds. Spring is looming and with it the threat of dangerous weather conditions that should have us all mindful of safety precautions and helpful resources in times of weather emergencies.Below are links to online documents, websites and services that may be of help to you and your community during extreme weather conditions.

Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning : Nature's Most Violent Storms : a Preparedness Guide
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/ttl.pdf
(Issued by the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross, a 16-page booklet in pdf format that can be printed off and distributed to schools, libraries, government offices and others)

Are You Ready?
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/index.shtm
(Issued by FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Administration, a guide for communities on preparing for disasters. Documents and kits are available in various formats and the guide is also printed in Spanish)

NOAA's All Hazard Monitor
http://www.noaawatch.gov/
Storm Prediction Center
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/index.html
(Fire, flood, drought and stroms… the National Weather Service has it all here)

An Introduction to Storm Observation and Reporting
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/stormspotting/
("Storm Spotting 101" from the National Weather Service Forecasting Office, Norman, OK)

FEMA For Kids
http://www.fema.gov/kids/index.htm
(Information on disaster preparedness and response for children)

Kansas Severe Weather Information Sources

2009 Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week Information Packet
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/top/2009SWAW.pdf
(March 9-13. The Packet includes information on tornadoes and severe storms in Kansas as well as the statewide tornado drill to be held all over the state on March 10th)

Dodge City Area Sever Weather Spotter Classes/Talks
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ddc/?n=SpotterTalks
(Provided by the National Weather Service Forecasting Office, Dodge City)

KSReady.Gov
http://www.ksready.gov/
(Kansas state and regional networks/agencies working together on disaster preparedness)

Tornado FAQ
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/
(From the National Weather Service)

National Weather Service Offices Around the Region Serving Kansans
www.weather.gov/topeka
www.weather.gov/wichita
www.weather.gov/dodgecity
www.weather.gov/goodland
www.weather.gov/kansascity
www.weather.gov/springfield
www.weather.gov/hastings

Lightning Safety
http://www.accesskansas.org/ksadjutantgeneral/Disaster-Emergency/Lightning%20Safety/Lightning%20Safety.htm
(Kansas Adjutant General's Dept)

Non-Government Sites

2009 SKYWARN Training
http://www.stormspotters.org/spotters/2009-skywarn-training.html
(Storm spotter training information nationwide provided via the Storm Spotters United website)
Kansas TV Stations
http://newslink.org/kstele.html
(Links to television station websites around the state. Most stations have a weather information page on their site)

The Weather Channel
http://www.weather.com/
(Online arm of the cable station)