photo by: Douglas County Public Works

Flooding is pictured along Route 1045, also known as old Highway 59, in southern Douglas County, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019.

With the spring storm season approaching, Douglas County Emergency Management, KU and the National Weather Service are planning a workshop to inform county residents on how to stay safe.

The organizations will be hosting a severe weather training session at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 in Room 1111 of Capitol Federal Hall, 1654 Naismith Drive, on the University of Kansas campus. The two-hour workshop will include free training in helping prepare for and identify severe weather in the county, including damaging winds, large hail, flooding and tornadoes, according to a press release from Douglas County.

“Preparedness is the key to staying safe during severe weather events. By taking the necessary steps and staying informed, we can protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” Emergency Management Deputy Director John Stipetich said in the press release.

Stipetich said in the press release that it’s important for Douglas County residents to have multiple methods of receiving severe weather alerts and other vital information. County residents can sign up for emergency alerts through the Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System at dgcoks.gov/emalerts. This system will provide notifications by text message, email or phone call and there is no cost.

Throughout the month of March, Emergency Management staff will provide information and education about weather terminology and safety guidelines regarding tornadoes, lightning, floods, wind and hail through social media and other outlets.

“It’s essential that everyone knows the proper steps to take to ensure safety if severe weather strikes,” Stipetich said in the press release.

As the Journal-World reported, one severe weather preparedness event has already been shaken up by severe weather this month. The statewide tornado drill, originally scheduled at 10 a.m. on March 5, was cancelled for north central, northeast and east central Kansas because of high winds, thunderstorms and possible blizzard conditions expected Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning in Douglas County.