York County Emergency Manager says “severe weather chances just won’t go away, be prepared”

​YORK COUNTY -- Preparedness for weather events is important for families, businesses, travelers, organizations and communities, says Gary Petersen, York County emergency manager.

​“Severe weather can occur quickly and unexpectantly," Petersen reminds everyone. "Receiving notifications of weather events can increase the time available to prepare:
“GOVFACTS defines watches and warnings:
A weather watch signifies conditions are favorable for a hazardous weather or hydrologic event to occur in a specific area, but its exact timing, location, and whether it will actually happen are still uncertain. The main purpose of a weather watch is to provide sufficient lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so. This early notification allows individuals and communities to review their safety plans, gather necessary supplies, and stay informed about the developing weather situation without the need for immediate action.
“A weather warning, in contrast to a watch, is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. According to the National Weather Service, a warning signifies weather conditions pose a threat to life or property, and those in the affected area need to take protective action immediately. The key difference here is the increased certainty and immediacy of the threat. While a watch indicates a possibility, a warning indicates that the dangerous weather is either happening, is about to happen very soon, or is highly likely.
“Notification and information options include:

• Phone weather apps from a variety of sources including television stations
• The FEMA app allows you to receive real-time weather alerts, prepare for common hazards, and more: https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products#download
• Outdoor warning sirens. These are for outdoor notifications only and will not always be heard indoors.
• Local television and radio stations. KTMX 104.9 in York is an excellent source of information during severe weather.
• National Weather Service web sites:
  • Hastings; https://www.weather.gov/gid/
  • Omaha/Valley; https://www.weather.gov/oax/
• County mass notification system where you can set your parameters;
  • Seward County Link: https://www.sewardcountyne.gov/emergency-alerts
  • York County Link: https://member.everbridge.net/307455233884531/login
• NOAA Weather radios. These can be purchased locally or online.

“Never rely on one form of weather notification,” Petersen said.
For more information contact Seward/York Emergency Management: 402-643-4722 or  402-362-7744 Email: [email protected]