It’s hurricane season. What does that have to do with us in the Midwest? Severe weather. When a hurricane hits the Southern Coast, oftentimes days later the Midwest is hit with storms. These storms can damage infrastructure, down power lines, and flood areas. ...

Search and rescue exercises are carried out by Community Emergency Response Teams. Neighbors and friends who volunteer to act as victims help CERT members practice the skills. In the Kansas City area there is a practice of how to respond to a major air crash incident. It takes over 100 people to volunteer to be victims so that emergency responders and CERT personnel can stay proficient...

Community Emergency Response Teams are trained to spot dangerous weather and take necessary precautions. They report oncoming weather and support emergency responders when weather-related disaster strikes. One event that can become a personal disaster is flash flooding. CERT teams are trained to be aware of the dangers of flash flooding and to avoid hazardous road conditions created by such flooding...

Flooding here in the Midwest is something we have to contend with yearly. This year in many ways exceeds that of ’93. In addition to sand bagging, many people have helped neighbors and relatives relocate as waters have risen. More water is on its way from planned releases from reservoirs up river. The continued rains add their share to the water level as well. There may be more people relocating as a result...

Imagine the Police Department having to say this: “Please don’t shoot at the tornadoes.” Yes, law enforcement in Lawrence, Kansas, actually had to say that. Tornadoes are big and powerful. They can be over a mile wide with winds up to 300 mph. ...