KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Johnson County Emergency Management is hosting a storm spotter training for the public.
“Severe storms can really happen any time in Kansas,” Johnson County Emergency Management Emergency Communications Director Sharon Watson said. “We've seen flooding, we've seen tornadoes even in the middle of winter, so even though it doesn't happen all that often, it can happen."
That’s why the team is preparing its residents now with this event.
“We rely on those individuals who are out in the field, who are in the areas where the weather is happening to give us that information right away,” Watson said.
Watson said it provides more eyes and ears on the ground.
“We rely on those individuals who are out in the field, who are in the areas where the weather is happening to give us that information right away,” Watson said.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service will be leading the training.
Johnson County Emergency Management Operations Assistant Director Terrence Kegin said he’s seen quite a few children participate in the training.
“Kids knowing what to look for and maybe interpreting things that we know being a bad storm coming in, helps the kids,” Kegin said.
He said oftentimes, it’s the kids reminding the parents how to react to severe weather that could save lives in an emergency.
“We've had kids tell mom and dad before mom and dad - this is what you need to do, not this - because they are better informed,” Kegin said.
The event is free and open to anyone who wants to learn more about severe weather, tornadoes and how to be prepared.
It is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Mid-America Nazarene University at the Bell Cultural Events Center. Organizers expect 450 to 500 people to attend.
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