When severe weather is in the forecast, it’s important to always be aware and have a safety plan in place. As you arrive to a Missouri state park or historic site, staff can help you with information on local radio and television stations, park location information and general places to seek shelter.
Be Prepared
- Have a means of receiving severe storm information:
- Weather radio
- Regular radio stations
- Cellphone or tablet weather app. Remember, some outdoor locations may not have good cellphone or Wi-Fi signal.
- Television stations
- Know the difference between a Watch and Warning
- Know where you are located:
- Name of State Park or Historic Site
- City
- County
- State
- Have a plan in the event there is a severe storm:
- Where to seek shelter at your location
- Account for traveling companions
- If necessary, how to evacuate
As severe weather season is approaching, it’s important to have a plan should the area you’re visiting be impacted by severe weather. If you’re caught unexpected, keep these tips in mind.
What to Remember Outdoors during Severe Weather
- If caught outside, take shelter in a sturdy enclosed building or hard top automobile immediately.
- Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing.
- If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds.
- Avoid open spaces, isolated objects, trees, high ground and metallic objects.
- Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
- If a tornado is spotted, act quickly and move to the lowest level of your shelter, putting as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible.
If no shelter is available:
- Lie flat in the nearest low lying area, ditch, ravine or culvert and shield your head with your hands. Beware of culverts and ravines during heavy rain events as they may rapidly fill with water.
- Protect your head with an object or with your arms.