SJFD shares response protocol during Missouri’s tornado season

ST. JOSEPH, Mo (KQTV) -- With Missouri being in the midst of its tornado season, the St. Joseph Fire Department prepares to be on standby to help with rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts in the event of a touch down nearby.

Last Friday, Buchanan and its surrounding counties were issued its first tornado warning of the year.

According to the University of Missouri Climate Center, on average, the Show-Me state experiences just over 30 tornadoes a year.

After a tornado, the St. Joseph Fire Department said it focuses on rescue and recovery efforts.

Bill Lamar, Emergency Manager, said the first thing the fire department does after a tornado is assess the extent of damage and how far it has spread throughout the community.  

"That’s one of the primary things we want to check," he said. "Obviously, we’re gonna have calls for service, so if you people are injured or trapped, that’s gonna be top priority. You can have gas leaks and structure fires that we also have to work with."

Lamar said life safety is the top priority after a tornado.

"If we know anybody who is inside the structure or the damaged area, that’s our top priority to make sure and try to get everyone saved and help if they’re injured," he said.

Lamar said when searching for people in debris, they try to know the layout of the building.

"If it’s a house, we try to know where the bedrooms would be if it’s at night time," he said. "Then were looking for any of the signs, so if there any cars in the driveway, we’ll know that there are people inside the house."

Lamar said communication is the biggest struggle.

"Cell phones would most likely be down, and you won’t be able to talk to people normally. We will rely on our radio," he said.

Lamar said high winds and unstable structures can pose as a risk to firefighters when cleaning up after a tornado.

“That means any debris that is on the ground can be blown into the teams that are working. Anything that is not structurally sound can collapse on the workers," he said.

Lamar said firefighters have their own families to worry about as well when these types of storms go through.

"Anytime a story blows through not only do you have the response that is our job but there's always that thought of how is my family and how is my home," he said.

So far, there has been 76 tornado warnings in Missouri.