Preparing for Severe Weather in Nebraska

A Public Service Message from the Bellevue Fire Department

Is winter really over? It doesn’t feel like it, but spring is right around the corner and that will bring warmer weather and the threat of severe weather. Most severe weather occurs during the Spring and Summer months in Nebraska. Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska and Iowa will be March 27-31.

So how do you know if severe weather is coming? The National Weather Service will issue either a Severe Weather Watch/Tornado Watch or a Severe Weather Warning/Tornado Warning.

A Severe Weather Watch or Tornado Watch means that Severe Weather or Tornadoes are possible in and near your area and you should be ready to act fast! A Severe Weather Warning or Tornado Warning means that you need to take action immediately! Severe Weather or a Tornado is near, there is danger, and you need to move to a safe location right away.

As most noticed a few weeks ago, Sarpy County is now testing its storm sirens on the first Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. It is very important to prepare you and your family for severe weather now before severe weather strikes.

How do I prepare? Your home should have an emergency “Go-Kit” and a “Stay at Home Kit”.

• “Go-Kit”: Should have at least 3 days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phones, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
• “Stay-at-home Kit”: Should have at least 2 weeks of supplies (food, water, and medicines).

You should also have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container, and other needed medical supplies or equipment. Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Also consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.

So what should you do if Severe Weather or a Tornado strikes? If you have one in your home, go to your basement. If you don’t have a basement, then move to an interior room that does not have windows. Please avoid top floor rooms, exterior rooms, rooms with windows, and do not shelter outside unless you are caught away from a structure. If you live in an apartment, most apartments have designated storm shelter areas so please become familiar with where yours is located.

Once you are in your shelter, cover yourself and your family members with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress for added protection.

After a tornado or severe weather passes, please be careful. Contact your family and loved ones and let them know you are okay. Then check to see if your property has been damaged. When assessing for damage, please try to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Watch out for broken glass and exposed nails. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down or find a gas leak. Stay out of damaged buildings as well. If you come across people who are injured, provide first aid until emergency teams arrive. If you smell gas, avoid lighting candles or smoking until you are sure the danger has passed.

We hope we are never impacted by Severe Weather or Tornadoes, but we should also be prepared just in case. If you have questions, please email our Fire Prevention/Public Safety Officer Brian Koontz at [email protected] or you can call him at (402) 917-2533.