April 7, 2008

Weather safety class scheduled

       Families who want to build a weather-safe room in their homes or who aren't sure what storm damage their insurance will cover can go to an upcoming severe weather safety and preparedness event.  Residents will be able to learn about a variety of issues involving severe weather, such as how to prepare storm kits and search for storm victims in their neighborhood, National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Haines said.  "We've found out, through talks, that (people) have some misconceptions on what to do" during a storm, Haines said. "Sometimes they really don't know what to do, and they have questions."

         The three-hour event will take place inside Old National Bank in Greenwood and in its parking lot across from Super Target, said bank personal services representative Kathie Turke.  On display will be a mobile, 40-foot command center the Johnson County Emergency Management uses to coordinate emergency services in the county during severe weather, Turke said.  Also, a national trainer from Homeland Security's search and rescue center will show attendees how her workers and search dogs find victims after storms have swept through an area, Turke said. Most of the events will be interactive and kid-friendly, she said.  People also can ask questions of agents from the Indiana Storm Shelters group on how to insure homes against storms, she said.

         A regional director from the National Weather Service in Indianapolis also will be on hand to show families what should be in storm safety kits, such as bike helmets to protect them from falling debris, Haines said.  Other activities include 20-minute sessions by the White River Township Fire Department staff. They will use a mobile home to show people where to hide during severe weather, Turke said.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)
 
    

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