The Garden City Telegram
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Storm warning
Published 4/30/2009 in Commentary : Editorial
Severe springtime weather is nothing new in southwest Kansas.
That doesn't make it any less frightening, we were reminded Wednesday when the threat of tornadoes triggered storm sirens in Garden City and the region — warnings that, hopefully, had local residents taking shelter in basements and other safe places.
The storm that unfolded proved such action was warranted as a wall cloud and tornadoes threatened Plymell, with strong winds and large hail wreaking havoc in other areas.
The storm reportedly spawned at least a few twisters that touched down. Plymell Dairy sustained severe damage, mobile homes were flattened and power lines in the region were snapped.
The severe weather also delivered dangerous hail in parts of Finney and Haskell counties.
Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported as a result of the weather. That's particularly fortunate considering some farmers were at work in fields when the weather hit, and vulnerable mobile homes were in the storm's path.
While this may sound like a broken record, the latest bout of dangerous weather was another reminder of the need for local residents to have a plan in mind in case severe weather or other emergencies strike. That means reviewing emergency plans and practicing evacuation drills at home, work and in schools.
It's also worth noting that tornado warnings are sounded with outdoor sirens that aren't designed to be heard indoors. Because of that, emergency preparedness experts recommend keeping abreast of severe weather by tuning into television or radio reports, and using a weather radio.
More information on ways to stay safe in severe weather are available from the American Red Cross, or on its Web site, www.redcross.org.
Drills and reviews of what to do in an emergency may seem inconvenient. Yet such efforts are proven lifesavers.
While many area residents are left to deal with significant damage from Wednesday's severe weather, there's no doubt southwest Kansas dodged the most wicked of punches from Mother Nature.
That may not be the case when the next storm develops, which makes emergency preparedness a must.
Found 1 comment(s)!
shelter
Is there something that can be done in the way of redcross or neighbors getting to gether to add some kind of shelter for those who live in trailer parks in the area who do not otherwise have finacial or physical means of digging them selves a shelter.
Posted by: concerned patron on 4/30/2009
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