Today, March 7, kicks off National Severe Weather Awareness Week. Although we’re still seeing plenty of signs of winter, the severe weather season is just around the corner. Peak tornado months typically run from April to June in Kansas but can happen as early as March.

This week, the county will take part in a statewide tornado drill and test its NotifyJoCo emergency alert system. The county is also launching a new webpage to help residents prepare and stay informed during severe weather events.

“It’s important for residents to be ready for tornadoes and other severe weather threats well ahead of a storm,” said Dan Robeson, Emergency Management deputy director. “This week, we encourage everyone to participate in the statewide tornado drill, as it provides a great opportunity to review and practice severe weather sheltering plans.”

At 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, the state will hold a tornado drill. A live tornado warning will not be broadcast on the NOAA Weather Radio, but residents are encouraged to take this time to practice safety plans.

Additionally, the county will initiate the annual countywide test of NotifyJoCo at 10 a.m., March 8. Those who have signed up for NotifyJoCo, will receive a test message, based on the communication preferences selected (phone call, text, email). Residents are encouraged to sign up for NotifyJoCo or review their account details ahead of the test. Register or sign in at notifyjoco.org.

The county now has available a severe weather service guide, where you can find resources to prepare for severe weather. When there’s an active threat of severe weather, the county will use this webpage to keep visitors informed of the latest on the storm and any county service-related impacts.

In coordination with the National Weather Service, the county this week, will promote on social media preparedness themes each day to highlight different disaster scenarios. They include:

• Monday, March 7: Receiving weather information and making a plan
• Tuesday, March 8: Tornadoes
• Wednesday, March 9: Lightning
• Thursday, March 10: Hail and wind
• Friday, March 11: Flooding

Learn more about NWS Severe Weather Preparedness Week.