MANSFIELD — A mild Ohio winter should not lull Richland County residents into meteorological complacency, according to weather experts.
Spring and summer are just around the corner and that’s potentially hazardous in a county that has experienced two significant tornado touchdowns in the last four years.
That’s why March 19-25 is designated Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week around Ohio, a warning period emphasized on Thursday by a proclamation from county commissioners.
It was issued during a meeting with Rebecca Owens, the county’s Emergency Management Agency director.
“What we get here locally is severe (weather) in some instances and folks really need to be prepared and understand that,” Owens said.
“If they aren’t sure (what to put in an an emergency preparedness kit), reach out to us or go online. FEMA has tons of resources, as does the Ohio EMA on their website,” she said.
It doesn’t take a long memory to recall the F2 tornado that roared through a section of Shelby on April 14, 2019, packing winds up to 125 miles per hour.
It takes even less brain power to recall the June 14, 2022, storm that spawned a tornado in rural southeast Richland County — a huge storm that knocked out power for almost 60,000 local residents.
Owens said preparation is the key to success during such events.
“It is just a matter of being prepared, having a plan, whether you’re a business or an individual, you really need to think about what happens if my power goes out?
“What happens if the tornado goes through my home and I can’t stay at my home? What’s alternative for that?
“The continuity of operations plans for businesses are crucial, and I would hope that after the pandemic, everybody has one of those because we’ve all lived through it,” Owens said.
She told commissioners there will be a statewide tornado drill on March 22 at 9:50 a.m.
Ownens also recommended residents sign up for weather alerts through the county website at www.richlandcountyoh.gov/departments/rcalerts
The Richland County Notification System allows residents to sign up to receive free emergency and community alerts. These notifications can be received on cell phones, work phones, text messages, emails and home phones.
“It’s very easy and you can pick and choose what you want to be notified about, but a lot of it is weather related. So we would advise that people do that. If you’re not comfortable doing it, contact us and we’ll be happy to help you do that,” Owens said.
Emergency preparedness kits are designed to be the basis for some of the supplies that you may need after a disaster or emergency.
Part of being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies to sustain your household for several days. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry kit or tote that you can use at home, or take with you in case you must evacuate.
Most items are inexpensive and easy to find. Heading to the store? Purchase an extra item or two to ensure your emergency kit stays well-supplied.
The following lists suggested items for a Basic Emergency Preparedness Kit:
Water: 1 gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation; 2-week supply for home)
Food: at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food
Ready-to-eat canned meats, soups, fruits, vegetables
High energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix)
Canned, bottled or boxed juices
Comfort foods (cookies, hard candy, cereals, instant coffee, tea bags)
Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio/NOAA Weather Radio
Flashlight / Battery-Operated Lantern
Extra Batteries
Blankets or Sleeping Bags
Cell Phone, Charger and Backup Battery
Family and Emergency Contact Information
First Aid Kit
Prescription & Non-Prescription Medications (7-day supply), Medical Items
Cloth Face Coverings/Masks (for everyone in the home ages 2 years and up)
Sanitation and Paper Products
Toilet Paper, Flushable Wipes
Liquid Hand Soap, Bar Soap
Hand Sanitizer
Feminine Hygiene Supplies
Paper Towels, Paper Plates, Plastic Ware, Garbage Bags
Liquid Disinfectant, Disinfecting Wipes
Household chlorine bleach
Multi-Purpose Tool or Wrench and Pliers (to turn off utilities)
Copies of Important Documents: list of medications/medical needs; proof of address; deed or lease to home; passports; birth certificates; insurance policies; photos of home items including serial numbers, if possible. Store in waterproof and/or fireproof file box.
Extra Cash (preferably small bills and coins)
Maps – local, state
Special Items
Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
Important family documents (store in a waterproof, portable container)
Board games, books, playing cards (for entertainment)
Supplies for individuals with special needs (babies, elderly or disabled persons)
Family or workplace disaster plan
Rethink your supply kit at least once a year. Replace batteries, food and water every six months.
— Information according to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness
