Weather Safety

Located in the Midwest, we often see a variety of severe weather ranging from thunderstorms and flooding to snow and tornadoes. We want to ensure you know what to do during these different weather emergencies.

Before a weather emergency strikes, there are a number of actions you can take to be prepared.

  • Ready.gov has excellent resources to help you prepare for a variety of emergencies.
  • You should also fill out an Emergency Contact Card(PDF, 87KB) for each family member to make communicating during an emergency easier.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported across the United States, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.

Tornadoes can occur at any time, but peak tornado season in Lenexa is during the springtime.

Tornado warning vs. tornado watch

For the best indication of weather warnings, seek information from the National Weather Service or your favorite news weathercaster. Both will use common terminology to indicate the likelihood that a tornado may occur in our area.

  • Tornado watch – this means tornadoes are possible in our area, and you should be alert.
  • Tornado warning – this means that tornado has been seen by a trained spotter or indicated by radar. You should seek shelter immediately.

What to look for

Favorable indications for tornadoes include:

  • Dark, often greenish, sky
  • Large hail
  •  Wall cloud
  •  Loud roar, similar to a freight train

What to do during a tornado warning

If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a basement or windowless room in the interior of the bottom floor of the building. Do not stay in your vehicle or try to outrun a tornado. Rather, lie flat in a ditch or depression.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are dangerous – injuring more than 300 people and killing more than 80 each year in the United States.

  • Warm, humid conditions make thunderstorms more likely.
  • About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe. This means it could produce hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter and has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher.
  •  Lightening from a thunderstorm can strike as far as 10 miles away from rainfall.

Thunderstorm watch vs. thunderstorm warning

For the best indication of weather warnings, seek information from the National Weather Service or your favorite news weathercaster. Both will use common terminology to indicate the likelihood that a severe thunderstorm may occur in our area.

  • Severe thunderstorm watch – This indicates thunderstorms are likely to occur in the near future.
  • Severe thunderstorm warning – Indicates that a thunderstorm has been has been reported by spotters or on radar. You should stay indoors, if possible.

What to do during a thunderstorm

If possible, you should stay indoors during thunderstorms. If you are caught outdoors:

  • In a forest – seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
  • In an open area – Go to a low place, and be alert for flash floods.
  •  On open water – Get to land and seek shelter immediately.

If you feel your hair stand on end, this indicates lightening is about to strike. Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground.

Flooding

When an enormous amount of rain falls, flooding can happen anywhere, including in Lenexa. Flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., so it is important to know what to do during a flood watch or warning.

Flood watch vs. flood warning 

  • Flood watch - A flood watch or flash flood watch means that flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. Be aware of signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate, if needed.
  • Flood warning – a flood warning or flash flood warning means that flooding or flash flooding has been reported or is imminent. 

What to do during floods and flash floods 

Floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall and can quickly cause extreme damage. In our area, they are typically caused by slow-moving thunderstorms or repeated thunderstorms.

If you are in an area under a flood or flash flood warning, you may only have a short time to react.  

  • If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Avoid areas that are subject to flooding, including dips, low spots or detention basins.
  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Never drive through flooded roadways – the road bed may be washed out under the water. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately, as rising waters can engulf it and sweep it away.
  •  Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
  •  Children should never play near high water or storm drains.

After a flood occurs

  • Seek necessary medical care from your nearest hospital. Food, clothing, shelter and first aid may be available from the Red Cross.
  • Report broken power lines to Evergy.
  •  Do not visit flooded areas unless you live there – your presence could hinder rescue and emergency operations.
  •  Boil water before drinking it. Pump out your wells and test the water for purity before drinking it.
  •  Check any electrical equipment for water damage before using it.
  •  If fresh food has come into contact with flood water, throw it out.

Cold weather

During the winter months, temperatures in Lenexa can drop below zero, and you should be prepared for what to do when cold weather strikes.

Infants and older people are most at risk for cold-related illnesses. Infants lose body heat quickly and cannot make enough body heat by shivering. Keep infants in warm rooms and provide warm clothing and blankets. Older people make less body heat due to their slower metabolism and less physical activity. During extremely cold days, check on elderly friends and neighbors to ensure their homes are adequately heated.

Frostbite

Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color, and it most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. It can permanently damage your body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.

During cold months, high winds can exacerbate temperatures and carry heat away from your body more quickly, making frostbite a risk.

Warning signs

Frostbite can begin with redness and pain in your skin, and you may be unaware of it until someone else points it out. Other signs that could indicate frostbite:

  • White or grayish-yellow skin area
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  •  Numbness

What to do if you see warning signs

You should seek medical care quickly. If immediate medical care is not available:

  • Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
  • Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes, unless it is absolutely necessary.
  •  Immerse the frostbitten area in warm (but not hot) water.
  •  Warm the frostbitten area using body heat.
  •  Do not rub the frostbitten area or massage it.
  •  Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp or other direct heat source, as frostbitten areas are numb and can be easily burned.

Hypothermia

When you are exposed to cold temperatures, your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This causes hypothermia, which can affect the brain. It occurs most commonly at very cold temperatures, but it can also occur in cool temperatures combined with rain, wind or sweat. Those most at risk are:

  • Older people who do not have adequate food, clothing or heating
  • Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms
  •  Children left unattended
  •  Adults who are under the influence of alcohol
  •  People who have mental illnesses
  •  People who spend long period outdoors

Warning signs

In adults, the warning signs for hypothermia are:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  •  Confusion/fumbling hands
  •  Memory loss
  •  Slurred speech
  •  Drowsiness

In infants, the warning signs are:

  • Bright red skin
  • Cold skin
  •  Very low energy

What to do if you see warning signs

If you suspect someone is suffering from hypothermia, take their temperature. If it is below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately. If medical care is not available:

  • Get the person into a warm room.
  • Remove any wet clothing.
  •  Warm the center of their body first using an electronic blanket or skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels or sheets.
  •  If the person is conscious, give them warm, non-alcoholic beverages.

Someone with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not be breathing or have a pulse. Seek medical assistance immediately, and begin CPR. In some cases, it is possible for people with hypothermia to be successfully resuscitated.

How to keep warm

Appropriate clothing can help keep you warm in extreme cold temperatures. In addition to a coat that is tightly woven and wind resistant, you should wear:

  • A hat and scarf or knit mask to cover your face and mouth
  • Sleeves that are snug at your wrist
  •  Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
  •  Water-resistant coat and shoes
  •  Several layers of loose-fitting clothing (wool, silk or polypropylene materials hold more body heat than cotton
  • Also, eat well-balanced meals, and do not drink alcoholic beverages. Rather, grab a warm, sweet beverage such as hot chocolate.

Heat your home safely

If you use a wood stove, fireplace or space heater, follow these safety tips:

  • Keep a multipurpose, dry chemical fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
  •  Make sure there is adequate ventilation and the heating elements are not leaking flue gas into the indoor air space.
  •  Do not place space heaters near drapes, furniture or bedding.

What to do if you get stranded in your vehicle

If you are stranded in the cold, your first priority should be to keep yourself warm. Keep these tips in mind to help you survive:

  • Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle to signal rescuers.
  • Move necessary items from the trunk to the interior of your vehicle.
  •  Wrap your entire body in extra clothing, blankets or newspapers.
  •  Stay awake, as you will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
  •  Run the motor and heater for 10 minutes each hour. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe.
  •  Keep your arms and legs moving to improve your circulation.
  •  Do not eat snow – it will lower your body temperature.

Hot weather

In Lenexa, we can experience heat waves – prolonged periods of excessive heat and humidity – which can cause heat illnesses. Most heat illnesses occur because the person was overexposed to heat or over-exercised for their physical condition. Older adults, young children and people who are sick or overweight are more susceptible to heat illnesses.  

Preparing for extreme heat

You can do a few things in your home to beat the heat:

  • Check your air conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
  • Install temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
  • Cover windows that receive sun with drapes, shades awnings or louvers.
  • Keep your storm windows up all year.
  •  Weather-strip your doors and window sills to keep cool air in.

During extreme heat 

During times of extreme heat, it’s best to stay indoors, if possible, to limit your exposure to the sun. Other tips include:

  • Spend the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, shopping malls, movie theaters or community centers.
  • Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.
  • Drink plenty of water and limit your alcohol intake.
  •  Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing that cover your skin as much as possible.
  •  Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
  •  Check on family and friends who do not have air-conditioning.
  •  Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day, and take frequent breaks.
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