Now that spring has arrived, Nebraska officials are urging residents to prepare for the possibility of dangerous weather. Today marks the beginning of Severe Weather Awareness Week and the The annual campaign serves as a reminder that now is the time to review safety plans, check emergency supplies, and stay informed before storms strike.
Lancaster County Emergency Management Director Jim Davidsaver tells KLIN News a good start is to identify your best shelter options at home, work and school when severe weather poses a threat. “Your family plan should include a location where all family members will report during severe weather,” Davidsaver says.
Whether it’s large hail, damaging winds or tornadoes, a little bit of time spent now putting a plan in place can make all the difference when the skies turn dark. Evidenced by Nebraska’s devastating flooding in March 2019, Lincoln’s historic snowfall in January 2021, Lancaster County’s significant wildfire in October 2022 and straight line wind events in July 2024 and August 2025, tornadoes should not be the sole focus of our severe weather awareness.
“A good plan considers all potential hazards to keep everyone safe,” Davidsaver says. He says make sure you have an emergency kit that can sustain you and your family for up to three days. That kit includes food, bottled water, flashlight or lantern and a way to stay informed. Make sure you have extra batteries.
He also says don’t rely on the outdoor warning sirens to alert you, especially at night while you are asleep. “Those sirens are meant to alert people who happen to be outside when storms roll in.” They can be plugged in, but also run on batteries.
Another step you can take to prepare is to make sure you have multiple ways to get weather alerts. A NOAA all-hazards radio is an inexpensive investment that provides a significant measure of safety. “This radio will provide reliable, accurate, advanced notice of severe weather and promote seeking shelter in a timely manner,” explained Davidsaver.
The National Weather Service will hold a Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday morning at 10:00. Davidsaver says he will activate their outdoor warning sirens and that’s the time when everyone is encouraged to practice sheltering plans for when their is an actual warning.