SEMA News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2012

Missouri launches Web site to help Missourians be prepared for tornadoes and severe storms

Missouri StormAware Web site includes videos on sheltering and storm warning systems; stormaware.mo.gov also includes links to severe weather texting services
The State Emergency Management Agency today announced Missouri has launched a new Web site to help inform and prepare Missourians for severe weather. Stormaware.mo.gov includes detailed videos on how to take shelter in specific types of buildings, important information about tornado sirens and weather alert radios, and links to severe weather texting services that can alert people across Missouri to upcoming severe weather.
"We think Missouri StormAware will be a valuable tool to educate all Missourians about the steps they can take to help protect themselves from dangerous severe weather," State Emergency Management Agency Director Paul D. Parmenter said. "We're providing very specific information about the safest places in different types of buildings, pointing out the limitations of tornado sirens that people should be aware of, and directing Missourians to text messaging systems that provide severe storm warnings.”
The Missouri StormAware Web site shows how people can find the safest place to shelter in their house and the steps mobile home residents should take as soon as they move in to their residences. There's also information for sheltering in schools, places of worship and other large gathering places. A video on tornado sirens and how they are used explains that they are designed to alert only people who are outdoors, and should not be relied upon while indoors. In another video, a National Weather Service meteorologist explains the importance of weather alert radios and recommends that every Missouri family have one in their home. 
An important feature of the StormAware site allows users to find text messaging services in their area that will allow them to get automatic text alerts whenever a severe storm warning is issued in their area. The services, which are not provided by the state of Missouri, are free, but normal text messaging rates will apply.
"We will also be adding additional content and we hope that Missourians will visit, sign up for text messaging alerts in their area, refer friends and relatives to the site and then check back periodically to learn more about being StormAware," Parmenter said.
To explore Missouri StormAware and get helpful preparedness tips for your family, visit http://stormaware.mo.gov.   

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov