[Press Release] : Severe weather affecting Boone County; residents reminded of storm dangers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Scott Smith, Public Information Officer, or Zim Schwartze,
Interim OEM Director - (573) 874-7400

Severe weather affecting Boone County; residents reminded of storm
dangers

COLUMBIA, MO (August 3, 2009) - A cluster of strong thunderstorms are
moving through portions of Boone County at this hour, prompting the
Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the
National Weather Service (NWS) to advise residents to keep updated on
the latest weather information. 

“The key is to be prepared well in advance,” said Interim
Columbia/Boone County Emergency Management Director Zim Schwartze. “By
keeping updated on weather information, you can be ready, before the
storm approaches.”

Residents are advised to stay updated with local media on the latest
weather information, and to have a NOAA weather radio in your building.
Storms moving through the area have the potential for small hall,
damaging winds up to 40 MPH, and frequent dangerous lightning. Storm
damage reports can be called in to the OEM non-emergency line at
442-6131.

Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch: Means conditions are favorable
for the development of severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes in and
around the watch area. Keep an eye on the sky and remain alter to
changing weather conditions.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thunderstorm, producing hail ¾
inch or larger and/or winds 58 mph or higher, has been indicated by
radar or reported by a trained weather spotter or law enforcement
official. Take immediate action to protect life and property!

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been indicated by radar or reported by a
trained weather spotter or law enforcement official. Take cover
immediately! 

If you are in a building, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a
safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level. If there
is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level
(closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside
walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get
under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do
not open windows. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little
protection from tornadoes.

If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor
of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Lie flat in a nearby
ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Do not get
under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. 

- 30 -
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