Missouri Governor Blunt, Public Safety Officials Warn More Possible Bad Weather Near

May 13, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Mark James, Director of the Department of Public Safety, today cautioned Missourians to be prepared as more bad weather is in the forecast for the southwest region of the state.

“Tornadoes are often times Mother Nature’s most violent storms, and the devastation I witnessed yesterday is as devastating as it is heartbreaking,” Gov. Blunt said.

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Tornado: Photo by OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)

“As more bad weather is expected to sweep through our state, I urge Missourians to continue to be proactive in emergency response planning and to take the appropriate precautions to help protect themselves and their families.”

“The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts, and it is imperative Missourians can hear the alerts on hazardous weather conditions,” James said. “For Missourians in rural areas without storm sirens, it is important to have a radio nearby to receive important public safety information from the media. Missourians may also consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio, which is reasonably priced.”

Gov. Blunt and Director James met with first responders yesterday and toured southwest Missouri’s hardest hit areas. Gov. Blunt continues to keep the State Emergency Operations Center activated to ensure state resources are available.

If threatening weather approaches:

* In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.

* If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.

* Stay away from windows.

* Get out of automobiles.

* Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.

* Mobile homes offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.

Missourians who need resource referrals or non-emergency help are urged to call 211. The 211 Service is now available for most areas of Missouri and helps citizens with disaster information and referrals. In areas where 211 is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626.

Source: Missouri Governor