Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 2nd – March 6th

The City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency joins the states of Missouri and Illinois in observing Severe Weather Preparedness Week starting Monday, March 2nd. Spring is traditionally a period where the threat of high winds, hail and lightning from tornados and severe thunderstorms greatly increases in the St. Louis area. Severe Weather Preparedness Week serves as a reminder to review emergency procedures and prepare for weatherrelated hazards. Families should know how they will receive emergency information, communicate with family members, and where they will reunite with each other if family members are separated during a disaster. 

The National Weather Service and State Emergency Management Agency have planned the Missouri Statewide Tornado Drill for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Residents should treat the drill as they would an actual tornado warning, by seeking shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest level of a building, avoiding windows and doors. The outdoor warning sirens will signal the drill and residents who have subscribed for emergency alerts using the City’s NotifySTL system will receive an alert message based on their subscription preferences. Individuals wishing to subscribe for emergency alerts can download the Everbridge mobile app which powers NotifySTL, or register online.

Severe Weather Week Highlights

Monday: Receiving Information & Alerts

Receiving information from NOAA Weather Radio, NotifySTL Alerts, and outdoor warning sirens

Tuesday: Tornado Safety & Tornado Drill (weather permitting)

Learning where to shelter during a tornado warning

Wednesday: Lightning Safety

How to stay safe when lightning strikes

Thursday: Hail/Wind Safety

Lessen the danger and damage of hail and wind events

Friday: Flood Safety

Floodwaters have many hidden dangers, how to stay safe when the water rises

“Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great opportunity for everyone to practice their emergency procedures and test out their shelter spaces; ahead of what is usually a busy spring storm season,” said Gary Christmann, Commissioner of the City Emergency Management Agency. Throughout the week, stay tuned to the City of St. Louis Emergency Management’s social media accounts for important tips and safety information. Tornado drill participants are encouraged to share photos of their protective actions on social media with the hashtag #IAmReadySTL for an
opportunity to be featured.

For additional information on preparing for emergencies visit: www.stlouis-mo.gov/ema.

On Social Media

Visit the City of St. Louis Emergency Management’s social media pages for more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week:

https://twitter.com/CityEMA and https://www.facebook.com/STLHSEMA/.