Severe weather

It's probably not necessary to have an awareness week to remind everyone of the dangers of weather in Southeast Missouri.

The leap-day tornadoes were a grim reminder of the devastation that can happen when warm and cold air masses collide.

Despite the recent events, the National Weather Service and the State Emergency Management Agency will use this week to help deliver the message of safety when (and before) severe weather strikes.

Preparedness is the key, according to the government agencies.

Each day this week will carry a theme. Monday is preparation day, Tuesday's focus is on building and school safety during a tornado; on Wednesday, the training will be on flash-flood safety; Thursday will inform on what to do during thunderstorms (did you know that talking on the phone during a thunderstorm is the leading cause of lightning injuries?); and Friday the education is on the importance of having weather radios and other types of warning devices.

We would like to remind our readers that the Southeast Missourian offers free weather text alerts. Simply go to semissourian.com on the home page on the right side to sign up. Also, we have included a link to all of the tips on semissourian.com/weather.

If you haven't already, please think about what you will do when severe weather strikes.