MOUNT VERNON — It is a fact that this winter has brought strange swings of weather to the nation. Tragically, severe weather, usually in the form of violent tornadoes, has stuck several areas of the country in the first two months of 2008.
According to Accuweather.com, as of Feb. 19 there have been 291 tornadoes in the country since the beginning of this year. The most deadly set of tornadoes struck on Feb. 5 and 6 and were responsible for nearly 60 deaths in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Alabama. However, emergency officials in Knox County believe that the area is prepared for severe weather if it should strike.
Dan Werner, executive director of the American Red Cross of Knox County, said that in terms of his organization, the county is prepared for severe weather and disasters. “We’re in good shape,” Werner said. “We have a lot of volunteers” in the county that are prepared to serve should severe, damaging weather strike the area.
“I feel really confident,” said Werner in terms of the Knox County Red Cross’ response ability if a disaster should strike. He continued, saying that “if Knox County had a catastrophic” incident which didn’t affect surrounding counties as much, relief organizations have agreements to cross jurisdiction lines to assist more severely affected areas. However, Werner noted that if a tornado would strike in the middle of the night, similar to the events of Feb. 5 and 6 in Tennessee, “there’s not much you can do.” Tornado sirens are meant for outdoor use only, but Werner did say that weather alert radios are equipped with alert systems, which are similar to those on an alarm clock, so that they will wake people that are sleeping.
Marie Blubaugh, director of the Emergency Management Office of Knox County, said that emergency personnel in the county are prepared. “I think we’re very well-trained,” said Blubaugh, referring to emergency services in the county. She also stated that tornado sirens can also be used for other, more serious emergencies within the county.
The Emergency Management Office of the Knox County will soon send out reminders to local schools and health facilities to remind them of Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs from March 23-29. The tornado warning sirens will be tested on March 26 at 9:50 a.m., and Blubaugh and her office are encouraging all schools and institutions to participate by holding tornado drills in conjunction with the siren testing. Blubaugh also noted that schools usually reply with information if they are able to hold a tornado drill, but some schools are unable to have drills due to scheduling conflicts.
