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931st Emergency Management office provides tornado safety advice

  • Published
  • By Capt. Zach Anderson
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The state of Kansas is known for its propensity for producing tornados. The state lies in the heart of "tornado alley" and has a well-documented history of dangerous, tornado producing severe weather, especially during the spring and summer months.

According to statistics from the National Weather Service, the state experienced a total of 94 tornados in 2012, the vast majority of which occurred in the months of April and May. In fact, 52 of the tornados took place in April alone. With tornado season once again upon Kansas, the 931st Air Refueling Group Emergency Management team is putting out the word about the dangers of the storms, and advice on how to be prepared.

"The most important thing you can do is have a plan, and to practice that plan," said Tech. Sgt. Stacey Spain, 931 ARG Emergency Management. "Make sure others know your plan so if communication is lost others will be able to find you."

Spain speaks from experience. In May 1999, she lost her home when a series of tornado-producing storms wreaked havoc across the Midwestern United States. Today, Spain said that having a plan in place is what enabled her and her family to survive.

"Having been through this myself, I can honestly speak of the loss and fear that comes with these events," she said. "I lost everything. However, every single person was alive and was able to walk away to safety. How? We had a plan set in place, and it saved us."

Spain said that having a plan and preparations in place is the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves from the threat of tornados.

"Having a first-aid kit and a good supply of food and water in your chosen shelter is important," she said. "A battery operated radio or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is also vital if you lose electricity. It's also smart to have some cash stored in your shelter for emergencies; you may have to relocate and it may not be easy to get to an ATM or a bank. Have a list of useful phone numbers and the numbers of family members so you can contact them and let them know you are OK."

Spain said that in the event of a tornado, individuals need to take shelter in the lowest possible level of the home or building they are in.

"A basement or underground shelter is best," she said. "If you don't have one, get in the centermost, smallest room in your home with no windows. Cover yourself with padding and stay low."

While the majority of 931 ARG members live and reside in Kansas, Spain said it's important for those who are not from the local area to take heed and be prepared for these violent storms.

"I was born and raised here and I know how out of nowhere a storm can come and change everything," she said. "For those who aren't from here, do not take it lightly."
For more information on tornado preparedness or assistance in putting a proper plan in place, members can contact the 931 ARG Emergency Management office. Members can also visit the American Red Cross website and the Sedgwick County Emergency Management Website.