New Emergency Manager gives tips on severe weather

As we are entering into the Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Season, please be attentive to the local weather and take the proper precautions when the Storm. Sirens are sounded.

Here are some tips from FEMA, regarding High Winds or Tornadoes.

High velocity winds from thunderstorms and tornadoes can turn patio furniture, grills and tree branches into destructive missiles. If the area immediately surrounding your house contains trees, outbuildings, trash cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind; your house will more likely be damaged during a tornado or windstorm. The wind can topple trees onto your home and can pick up smaller objects and drive them through windows and glass doors.

All storage sheds and other outbuildings should be securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors. The straps and ground anchors used for manufactured homes can be used for the anchoring systems for outbuildings, such as garden sheds, which are not placed on a permanent foundation. Outdoor fwmtuiie and barbecue grills can be secured by bolting them to decks or patios or by attaching them to ground anchors with cables or chains,

Even trash cans can be secured with cables or chains attached to ground anchors or to wood posts firmly embedded in the ground.

High winds from tornadoes can damage garage doors or even blow them in. If wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage to the home. A garage door can be reinforced by adding braces across the back of the door and by strengthening the glider wheel tracks. If the existing door is old or damaged, it should be replaced with a stronger door and tracks. These modifications should be done only by a trained garage-door systems technician. If your home is under construction, look into purchasing a garage door built to withstand high winds.

For more information on protecting your home from storms, tornadoes and flooding go to www.fema.gov and click on Planning Ahead, or go to the Bourbon County Emergency Manager's website at http://www.bourboncountyks.org/emergency_mgmt.htm.

--Submitted by the office of

Keith Jeffers, Emergency Manager, Bourbon County