Emergency response

When big emergencies such as natural disasters happen, there are all kinds of responses.

There are responses on the individual level -- obtaining care for injuries, having adequate plans for lodging and food and communicating with your family.

There are responses on the community level -- churches and organizations respond with help in the way of food or chain-saw teams, for example.

And there are responses on a much larger scale, namely evaluating and assigning emergency priorities, and coordination.

There have been some behind-the-scenes developments in the way of local government response to regional disasters in the last several years.

Emergency management officials in Southeast Missouri have been setting up a multiagency coordination center program, which allows for better communication from a central location. This system was used during the 2011 flood, when a Sikeston, Mo.-based coordination center managed the flow of resources into the region in a more efficient way.

The regional emergency managers meet once a year, and will do so March 25, when they will train to handle a mass illness pandemic. A simulation will take place in October.

So far, 10 counties are signed up to participate, and another three are expected to join the list. There's comfort in knowing our local officials are preparing for disasters not only by training but also by becoming acquainted with one another and building trust.

On a related note, the National Weather Service, the State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management offices this week are recognizing Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week. At 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, there will be a statewide tornado drill.

This is an opportunity for everyone, from individuals to groups to agencies to review their response procedures.

Reminders from the state:

* Tornado watch means watch the sky. A tornado may form during a thunderstorm.

* Tornado warning means seek shelter immediately.

* An interior room without windows on the lowest floor is the safest shelter location.

* Do not seek shelter in a cafeteria, gymnasium or other large open room because the roof may collapse.

* Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building.

* Overpasses are not safe. An under-the-girder-type construction of an overpass can cause a dangerous wind tunnel effect.

* If you are driving, you should stop and take shelter in a nearby building.

* If you are driving in a rural area, seek shelter in a roadside ditch. Protect yourself from flying debris by covering your head with your arms, a coat or a blanket. Be prepared to move quickly in the event the ditch fills with water.