Time to start thinking about...

F5 Hesston tornado, March 13, 1990

Severe Weather Awareness Week, which is coming up next week. People often ask when severe weather season starts around here. The easy answer is April, May, and June, but if you've lived here for awhile, you know that March storms can sometimes bring tornadoes and blizzards all at the same time. And if you have a good memory, you might recall the Hesston/Goessel tornadoes occurred on March 13. So when the calendar flips to March here in less than a week, it's time to start preparing.

March 2nd-6th is a week set aside to allow us an opportunity to review and practice what we probably already know when it comes to safety. And even though it may seem redundant to have this designated week every year, I don't think you can ever be too prepared for what may show up later this spring. The statewide tornado drill will take place on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. (assuming the weather is clear and quiet that day)

Monday's topic: Severe weather preparedness
Tuesday's topic: Tornado hazards
Wednesday's topic: Flash flood hazards
Thursday's topic: Severe thunderstorm hazards
Friday's topic: Forms of warning reception

We are working hard to put together some special pieces that you'll see on the air next week (at 6 p.m.) and you'll also see a lot of facts and safety information on Facebook. We don't know exactly how bad the severe weather season will be yet. Truthfully, no matter what prediction we make for the upcoming season, if your house or car gets hit by one big hailstorm or tornado, you'd likely declare it a bad season.

Small sample of some of the Facebook material we are working on for next week

So while we get set to deal with more snow and cold, try to find some time in the next few weeks to talk over your safety plan with your family (especially if you have kids involved)  A little planning now can be a lifesaver if and when that day comes.