An old barn stands in a wheat field as a severe thunderstorm passes in the distance May 22, 2008, near Ogallah, Kan. Severe thunderstorms dropped tornadoes across much of northwest Kansas and northern Colorado.

March 8-12 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas, and residents are being asked to prepare not only for the upcoming tornado season but also for other severe weather such as flash floods and thunderstorms.

Sharon Watson, public affairs director for the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, said Kansans think about severe weather preparedness during winter blizzards and ice storms but sometimes forget that spring and summer can be just as hazardous.

“Even though we just made it through the difficulties in winter and snow, this is still a dangerous season in Kansas,” Watson said.

Severe Weather Awareness Week has taken on greater urgency since 2007, which brought the devastating tornado to Greensburg, flooding around the state and two major winter storms, most of which caught people by surprise, Watson said.

“We find that most people think it’s not going to happen to them,” she said.

Kansans are urged to keep a severe weather kit at home that contains necessities such as blankets, bottled water, nonperishable food, batteries, matches, candles, a battery-operated radio and other items. To find a sample checklist, go here.

Last year Kansas had 103 tornadoes, with 21 in one day, on June 15. Douglas County has seen 37 tornadoes since 1950, resulting in 48 injuries and one death.