Cowley County Kicks Off Severe Weather Preparedness Week with Tips, Giveaway

COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — Cowley County Emergency Management officially kicked off National Severe Weather Preparedness Week Monday, using the March 2-6 observance to share daily safety tips and encourage residents to get ready before storms strike.

Throughout the week, the agency will share two daily tips focused on outdoor warning siren education and severe weather preparedness.

"Understanding how warnings work and having a plan in place can make a critical difference during a storm," the agency said.

Officials are urging every household to take four basic steps: sign up for a way to receive warnings, identify a safe place to go, assemble an emergency kit and establish a family communication plan.

"What you do before a storm determines how well you get through it," the agency said. "Taking a few minutes to prepare now can make a big difference when severe weather threatens."

Residents are also encouraged to engage with the agency's Severe Weather Week posts on Facebook. Those who like, share and comment will be entered into a drawing for one of two prizes: a Midland Weather Alert Radio with a pillow shaker and strobe light combo, designed for those who are hard of hearing or heavy sleepers, or a Midland Weather Alert Radio paired with a Streamlight LED flashlight.

Residents can follow along using the hashtag #CowleyWeatherReady.