Weather
radios available for severe weather season
Every second counts when severe weather is threatening
communities. In an effort to provide emergency alerts
to citizens that do not have access to warning sirens,
Project Community Alert has been implemented.
Project Community Alert is a cooperative effort by the
Local Emergency Management Directors and metro area Price
Chopper Stores to provide weather radios to Platte County
citizens at a reduced price.
Platte County Sheriff Richard Anderson encourages anyone
that is not within the hearing range of an emergency siren
to use a weather radio. The more weather radios in the
community, the more lives that will be saved and injuries
prevented.
Weather radios will be available at any Price Chopper
store in the eight county metropolitan area. They are
on sale at the reduced price of $39.95. The radios normally
retail for $60.
The radios can be programmed by the homeowner to receive
severe weather alerts for the county they live in. Alerts
can also be used by the county emergency management staff
for other types of immediate life threatening emergency
warnings. Consumers will receive directions advising of
the warning and where to get additional information.
Anderson stated everyone should know the difference between
a watch and a warning:
• A Tornado Watch is issued by the National Weather
Service when weather conditions are favorable for the
development of a tornado. People should stay alert for
additional changes in weather conditions when a Tornado
Watch is issued.
• A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has
been sighted in the area. Individuals should take shelter
immediately in a basement or interior ground floor if
available. Stay away from windows and large open areas
such as cafeterias or school gymnasiums. If a person is
outside, they should lie flat in a ditch or ravine and
cover their head with their arms. Since rain usually accompanies
a tornado, be aware of flash flooding and be prepared
to move to a different location if needed. If a person
is driving and encounter a tornado, leave the vehicle
immediately and seek shelter away from their vehicle in
a ditch or ravine. Persons should never seek shelter in
or under a vehicle in a tornado. Persons should never
try to outrun a tornado.
Anderson encourages everyone to think about what their
family should do when faced with severe weather conditions
such as a tornado. Consider developing a family severe
weather plan to handle such emergencies.
If anyone has any questions about the program they should
contact Lt. Mark Owen of the Platte County Sheriff's Department
Emergency Services Division at (816) 858-2424.
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