[Press Release] : Watch out for tornado dangers; tips from the Office of Emergency Management

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

Watch out for tornado dangers; tips from the Office of Emergency
Management

COLUMBIA, MO (June 17, 2009) - It has been a deadly year for tornadoes
in Missouri, and the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency
Management (OEM) encourages residents to know what to do in the event of
a tornado. That knowledge can mean the difference between life and
death. 

“When it comes to tornadoes, it’s critical to know what to do
before, during and after the storm,” says Interim OEM Director Zim
Schwartze. “The best time to prepare for a storm is when there is no
immediate threat. That means having a plan in place, a plan that
includes where to find shelter, storing an emergency supply kit, and
knowing what to do after the storm passes through. Whether you’re at
home, school, work or on the road, it’s vital to know what to do. “

So far this year, at least seven people have died and over 20 injured
in tornadoes in Missouri. While none of those injuries or deaths has
occurred in Columbia or Boone County, Schwartze cautions against
complacency. “We’ve been fortunate to not have had any major storms
roll through Columbia and Boone County in several years, but that
doesn’t mean we should ignore the possibility and not have a plan.
We only have to look at the destruction caused by tornadoes which have
hit Missouri this year, to see the importance of preparedness.”

The Office of Emergency Management has several materials available
concerning how to prepare for tornadoes and other natural disasters.
Those materials can be obtained by contacting the office or logging on
to the OEM Web site, www.showmeboone.com/OEM/closures.htm.

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