By Amanda Lubinski
Digital Content Director

In the wake of Saturday’s storm damage, first response agencies are reminding area residents of tips on how to stay safe and report storm damage.

“Although many associate severe weather season with the spring and summer months, the reality is that deadly storms, flooding and tornadoes can occur at any time of year,” State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said via press release shared on SEMA’s website.

Tips to remember

Staying safe, according to SEMA, should include remembering the following tips.

• Follow local forecasts any time severe weather is anticipated. Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts in case one fails.

• Create a family emergency plan to stay safe, and remember to include pets when building an emergency kit and stocking up on supplies. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it’s also important to know how to contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

• The safest shelter location for tornadoes is generally an interior room without windows on the lowest floor of sturdy structure, preferably in the basement. Do not seek shelter in a cafeteria, gymnasium or other large open room because the roof might collapse. Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building, and never seek shelter under an overpass – the dangerous wind tunnel effect combined with flying debris can be deadly.

• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Leave elevated areas and avoid isolated trees. Seek shelter immediately in an enclosed building or vehicle.

• Never drive into standing water, even if it appears shallow. As little as 6 inches of fast-moving water can cause a car to lose control or float. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away. Murky water can hide hazards including dangerous debris and road damage.

“Flooding is the deadliest severe weather hazard in Missouri, with the vast majority of fatalities occurring during flash flooding and affecting people in vehicles,” reports the SEMA website.

More information can be found at stormaware.mo.gov, which includes detailed videos on how to take shelter from tornadoes in specific locations, how to avoid flash flooding dangers and useful information on tornado sirens and weather alert radios.