By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Don’t be complacent about spring weather. Next week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas. The annual statewide tornado drill is Tue., March 15, at 6:30 p.m.

The city of Hays has an “all-hazards” city emergency operations plan to respond to disasters, including a tornado. The city manager or designated representative will be at the Ellis County Emergency Operations Center, (EOC) coordinating the response with county officials.

All city departments have a role in disaster response. Police officers, firefighters and public works, parks and utilities crews with heavy equipment will perform search and rescue work. Midwest Energy crews will assist in the search and rescue effort, controlling gas leaks and downed power line dangers.

As quickly as possible after the search and rescue mission has been completed, efforts will shift to recovery. This includes clearing streets and restoring city services.

Hays Firefighter Travis Hageman reminds residents to have a disaster kit prepared with supplies for the entire family to last three days.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City will host Severe Weather and Storm Spotter training tonight, Wed., March 9, at 7 p.m. in the Sternberg Museum, 3000 Sternberg Drive. The public is invited to attend.