Being prepared ahead of potential severe weather in the Kansas City area this weekend
OLATHE, Kan. – When severe weather strikes emergency officials want you to be prepared. It’s been a while since the Kansas City metro has been in the bull’s eye of potentially dangerous weather.
“It’s going to be kind of an all hands of deck,” Assistant Director of Community Preparedness Claire Canaan said.
Canaan said there’s a potential for severe weather Friday afternoon and through the weekend.
She’s with Johnson County Emergency Management. Her team wants people to be prepared.
Tornado watch issued for the Kansas City area Friday
“We tell them to have a plan,” Canaan said, “and in that plan, have multiple ways to receive notifications. Don’t rely on just one. We have the outdoor warning sirens.”
FOX4 keeps the metro area Weather Aware. You can turn on alerts and receive notifications when your area is under a tornado watch or warning.
Canaan said we could see 50-70 mph winds, large hail, tornadoes and flooding.
“Not getting those alerts or not staying aware of what’s going on around you or what’s going on outside, you could be in a space that makes you vulnerable to getting hurt if that storm comes through and causes any damage,” Canaan said. “So, it’s the difference of life and death in some cases.”
View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4
Another way to stay informed, a weather radio. You don’t need to plug it in if the power goes out.
“Being prepared is definitely something that people don’t think about until it’s too late,” Westlake Ace Hardware Shift Manager Luke Aitken said.
Aitken said they have a lot of what you need in an emergency kit.
Pack granola bars, bottled water and a first aid kit. As well as extra chargers, closed-toed shoes, flashlights or lanterns and batteries.
“Check to make sure the battery’s good, check to make the bulb itself that goes inside is good. We sell the replacements for that, as well,” Aitken said. “Keeping all that ready for when you need it.”
He also encourages people to juice up a power bank or portable charger for your phone in case the power goes out.
This storm could hit after dark, Canaan said it’s smart to have a plan to light the way to your family’s safe spot.
“Taking those steps to be prepared before severe weather strikes is going to keep you,” Canaan said. “Your family, and loved ones safe when it comes and you’re going to be quicker to respond and you’re not going to hesitate to find shelter and stay safe.”
