WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – The state says it’s likely we’ll see more tornado warnings this summer. That’s why officials urge everyone to be prepared before a twister touches down.
Usually, the storms the north country is used to are snowstorms, but now tornado warnings are happening more frequently.
“We expect this to continue throughout the summer so it is fair to assume that in your area you will likely see more tornado warnings,” said Pete Cichetti, the executive deputy director of the New York State Office of Emergency Management.
Cichetti says two steps can help you be prepared and stay safe during the warnings.
Step 1: Create a plan and pack a kit.
The plan can be choosing where you will shelter in your house. He recommends a basement or an innermost room. Packing a kit consists of stockpiling non-perishable foods, water, toilet paper, and flashlights with batteries.
Step 2: Stay informed.
“If a tornado is imminent, we really want you to be as informed as possible, pay attention to your local forecasts,” said Cichetti.
He says another way to stay informed is through your mobile phone.
“The best way to know if there are watches and warnings in your area is to sign up for emergency alerts,” he said.
People are not the only ones who need to be prepared for tornado watches and warnings. Fire departments need to have a plan in place so they know what to do when a warning or watch comes out.
“We get a call we will respond and kind of have to adapt. You know, you can only plan so much so, like I said, you got to fly by the seat of your pants a lot of times. Just take it as it comes,” said Glen Park Fire Chief Ralph Skinner.
Skinner says the recent watches and warnings have made him and his department think more about the weather.
“It heightens our awareness of the weather,” he said.
And it’s not just firefighters. The state says everyone needs to be ready for weather we’re not used to as patterns change.