Knox County encouraged to participate in Severe Weather Awareness Week

Knox County residents are encouraged to prepare for severe weather during Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 15-21.

Ohio experiences a variety of severe weather events each year, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding. Severe Weather Awareness Week provides an opportunity for individuals, families, schools, and businesses to review emergency plans and improve preparedness.

A key event during the week will be the Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 18, at 9:50 a.m. During the drill, Knox County may activate outdoor warning sirens as part of the statewide exercise.

Residents are encouraged to use the drill as an opportunity to practice tornado safety procedures and identify the safest shelter location in their home, workplace, or school.

Knox County EMA encourages residents to take the following preparedness steps:

• Build or update an emergency kit for home and vehicle

• Develop or review a family emergency plan

• Identify safe shelter locations during severe weather

• Ensure multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including NOAA Weather Radio and trusted local media sources

• To sign up for alerts in Knox County, visit: http://entry.inspironlogistics.com/knox_co_oh/wens.cfm

Outdoor warning sirens are designed to warn people who are outdoors that severe weather is approaching. When sirens sound, individuals should immediately seek shelter indoors and monitor trusted weather sources.

Throughout Severe Weather Awareness Week, preparedness information and safety tips will be shared through Knox County EMA’s social media channels.

For more information about severe weather preparedness, follow Knox County Ohio EMA on Facebook.