Early this week, Richland County’s commissioners approved the observance of Ohio’s Spring Severe Weather Week. It is currently underway as of March 2 and continues through March 8.
Being prepared this season will be important. In an article posted earlier this week, Rick Evans from the Richland County Emergency Management Agency said, “Preparedness is the goal for surviving and thriving in a weather event.”
According to Disaster Specialist Julie Frim, flooding will be the main concern when the snow starts to melt. Also, thunderstorms and power outages are concerns that should merit the public’s preparation.
“We usually encourage people to have at least three days of food and supplies to last them in the event of severe weather,” said Frim.
In conjunction with the Weather Week, the Richland County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) participated in a state wide tornado drill. The sirens were tested March 5, Wednesday morning at 9:50 a.m.
According to Evans, the test went well. There are 44 sirens located within Richland County. Only one had trouble sounding, located in Mifflin just next to the Fire Station. Evans stated that a crew responded to the problem and is working to repair it.
Frim indicated that tornadoes are currently not a big concern for Richland County. Most tornadoes occur later in the season, but people should be prepared in the event of a tornado and follow the acronym D.U.C.K., down, under, cover, and keep. A more detailed description can be found here.
The Red Cross offers services to those in need after a disaster. Here in Richland County, the EMA and fire departments notifies the Red Cross when a family or group of people is in need of shelter. The Red Cross then opens it doors for shelter and food.
For example, during January’s frigid temperatures, Red Cross’s building on North Park Street in Mansfield opened its doors to community members who needed to stay warm. They worked in tangent with Grace Episcopal Church on 41 Bowman Street, where community members could enjoy a hot meal and cots for the night.
This month also marks Red Cross Month. During the month of March, The American Red Cross hopes to inspire community members to be a hero for their local communities. There are five ways this can happen, according to The Red Cross: Become a Red Cross volunteer. Give blood. Take a class. Make a plan. Make a financial donation.
Reading more about these specific ways to be a Red Cross hero can be found through their website. Also, refer to the check lists (PDF) provided by The American Red Cross in Richland County. One is for floods and the other for tornadoes. These can be found in the side bar to the left of the screen. For more information on how to be involved call 419-524-0311.
