SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. — As severe spring weather patterns become more frequent in Wisconsin, local officials are advising families to take proactive measures for disaster preparedness.
A representative from the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department emphasized the importance of discussing severe weather readiness with family members. “This is a great time to outline where to go and how to reconnect if you happen to be separated when a storm strikes,” the representative stated.
In case of severe weather, officials recommend seeking shelter in the safest areas of the home, specifically on the lowest level in an interior room without windows or exterior walls. Basements are considered the optimal choice when they are accessible.
In addition to identifying safe locations, emergency management experts highlight the necessity of having a clear communication plan. “Where will you meet if separated? How will you check in with each other? Having these answers established ahead of time is crucial,” they noted.
Collaboratively, the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department, Menominee County Emergency Management, local Human Services, and the American Red Cross have been engaged in training exercises focused on emergency response protocols. These exercises include shelter operations to ensure readiness at a moment’s notice.
The health department assured that once an emergency shelter is declared necessary by the Shawano County Emergency Manager, their trained staff will be first on the scene. “We will be ready to greet residents, assess their basic needs, and maintain safety while waiting for Red Cross assistance,” they explained.
Open shelters will offer essential services like charging phones, providing minor first aid, and serving as a gathering point following storm damage. More critical medical issues will be referred to local hospitals for further care.
Officials strongly encourage residents to invest time in planning now, before storms arrive. They assert, “A few minutes of planning today can make all the difference when the skies turn dark tomorrow.”
This guidance reflects recent trends noted by emergency services, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and the importance of community preparedness in mitigating the impacts of severe weather events.