The month of March came in like a lion, and Richland County Commissioners along with the county’s Emergency Management Agency are spreading awareness for the potential of severe spring weather in Richland County.
Commissioners Tim Wert, Gary Utt and Marilyn John issued a proclamation on Tuesday morning observing March 1 through 7 as Ohio Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week and National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. In addition, March 16 through 20 will be observed as National Flood Safety Awareness Week.
“The overall general message is be prepared for any kind of storm,” said Rick Evans, Deputy Director of the Richland County EMA. “Usually you get your windstorms, thunderstorms, lightening storms, and you also have snow and ice at this time. Always be prepared to leave your home or stay in your home, and make preparedness kits for yourself and your animals.”
Both Evans and EMA Director Mike Bailey emphasized the importance of households and businesses putting together an emergency preparedness kit, designed to be the basis for supplies that may be needed when an emergency or disaster happens. Evans said guidelines for what to include in emergency kits could be found on FEMA websites.
“You need basic items to support yourself for at least three days – food and water, clothing, medications, flashlights,” said Evans. “And food and water for pets, too.”
“A small plastic toolbox with batteries, a radio and basic necessities makes a good thing someone can pick up and if you have to leave your house you have a thing to carry with you,” suggested Commissioner Wert. “Put it in a place where you know where it is all the time. You need to be ready for these events.”
Evans and Bailey also noted the importance of having an Emergency Weather Radio, where vital information can be broadcast in weather-related events. The Richland County EMA offers emergency alert radios for $23 and can be purchased with cash and exact change at the EMA office, 597 Park Avenue East in Mansfield.
The importance of flood safety was also discussed, with Evans emphasizing that drivers should never drive across flooded roads. Commissioner John, drawing from firsthand flooding experience as the mayor of Shelby, added that pedestrians should not walk in floodwaters as they usually contain germs and bacteria.
“And watch your children,” she said. “I have personally gone out and gotten young children not only out of flooded streets because it’s unsafe, but from hanging under bridges over flooded rivers. Those are not play waters.”
As part of Safety Awareness Week, on Friday March 6 starting at 9:50 a.m. Richland County will participate in the statewide tornado drill, activating the county’s 44 sirens for a full three minutes.
