Severe Weather Information

Every year the National Weather Service and the Emergency Management communities get together to provide severe weather information for the public. Each year we emphasize the outdoor sirens are just that, an outdoor warning system. The Columbus Fire Dept tests our sirens monthly to ensure all sirens are working properly because our resident’s safety is a top priority.

Take responsibility

Listen to the media

Take protective action

Survive.

Contact Us

Steven Burton
Fire Chief
Email Steven

Columbus City Hall
300 E Maple St
Columbus, KS 66725

Phone: (620) 429-1592
Emergency: 911

Business Hours
24 hours/ 7 days a week

View Staff Directory

Severe Weather

Severe weather season usually begins in the early spring in Kansas. We all need to be prepared for severe weather at any time of the day or night and throughout the year. The National Weather Service, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, the 9-1-1 Center and the Fire Department cannot notify every individual of the possibility of severe weather in their town. Local media outlets and an All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio are your best sources for information concerning severe weather watches and warnings. Do not wait for the sirens to be your warning system at home. Sirens may not be working if the power is out and oftentimes cannot be heard indoors.

It is important to be aware of weather threats such as damaging straight-line winds in the excess of 60 mph, large hail, and flooding. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local media, then take the appropriate action for the severe weather threat. If it appears that a severe thunderstorm is approaching your location, do not wait for the outdoor sirens, take immediate action to protect your life and the lives of others in your home.

Storm Spotters

Volunteers, emergency management, fire department, radio operators, and first responders put their lives on the line every time there is severe weather in the local area. They do this for the people in their communities and want to make sure these people are given the best chance at survival. The storm spotters, emergency managers, law enforcement, and other volunteers immediately relay severe weather reports to the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service, in turn, disseminates that information to the media and public through warnings, statements, and local storm reports. Getting the word out to the public in a timely manner may save lives.

Take responsibility…listen to the media…take protective action…survive.

Volunteers, emergency management, fire department, radio operators, and first responders put their lives on the line every time there is severe weather in the local area. They do this for the people in their communities and want to make sure these people are given the best chance at survival. The storm spotters, emergency managers, law enforcement, and other volunteers immediately relay severe weather reports to the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service, in turn, disseminates that information to the media and public through warnings, statements, and local storm reports. Getting the word out to the public in a timely manner may save lives.

Take responsibility…listen to the media…take protective action…survive.

Making a Severe Weather Plan

Your family should have a well-thought-out plan for what to do in case of an emergency. If you are under a severe weather or tornado warning, find safe shelter right away.

If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

If you need to seek shelter outside your home, the following locations are available in Cherokee County: