St. Joseph official shares safety tips ahead of potential severe weather

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- As a Storm Tracker First Alert Weather Day approaches with the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, officials in St. Joseph and Buchanan County are reminding people what to do if storm sirens sound. 

Emergency Management Director Bill Brinton said sirens are meant for anyone who id outdoors. If you hear them while outside, don’t wait—get to shelter right away.  

"If you go inside your house and go to some place in the center, if you have a basement go down there and if you don’t go somewhere in the center of your house," Brinton said.  

Brinton also stressed the importance of staying weather-aware, which means keeping an eye on conditions and using a reliable weather app on your phone that can alert you when severe weather is moving into your area.  

"You should have an app on your phone that notifies you when you have bad weather in your area and you just need to be weather alert," Brinton said.  

When it comes to being out on the road, he said the guidance for drivers has evolved over time. 

If a storm is approaching or if there are dangerous conditions nearby, the recommendation is to get away from it as quickly as you can—while still driving safely.  

"If you are outside go some place substantial. Go into businesses and its one of those things that you need to put as much sturdy construction between you and the storm as you possibly can," Brinton said.  

He reminded the importance of having an emergency plan in place. Spring is a great time to review that plan and make sure everyone in the family knows what to do and where to go. 

Brinton added how every household should have an emergency kit ready. For guidance on what to include, he recommends checking the American Red Cross app. 

Typically, emergency kits will include First-Aid items, toiletries, a flashlight and more.