Be a Force of Nature: Severe Weather Awareness

Published on March 03, 2025

The Unified Government is proud to join and promote the campaign to spread the word and encourage residents and our entire Wyandotte County community to Be a Force of Nature by knowing your risk, taking action, and being an example where you live. The Unified Government is committed to being a leader for emergency preparedness.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are teaming up again to highlight the importance of preparing for severe weather before it strikes. This spring, take time to learn what hazards may impact you, how to take action by making a kit and having a plan, and how you can become an example where you live by sharing your actions with others, such as friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Taking preparedness actions can save lives and protect property anywhere - at home, in schools, in your neighborhoods, and in the workplace. In 2022, there were many weather and climate disaster events, each with losses exceeding $1 billion. Nationally, these events included one drought event, 11 severe storms, three tropical cyclone events, one wildfire event, and one winter storm event. Overall, these resulted in the deaths of several individuals and had significant economic effects.

Know Your Risk

Learn what hazards pose a risk where you live and work and their potential impact on you, your loved ones, and your community. Once you understand your risk, you are better equipped to take preparations. You can learn more about hazards in your area by talking to local officials or going to ready.gov/be-informed. The National Weather Service has a great website explaining the basics of severe weather at Weather-Ready Nation and eye-opening statistics. 

Take Action

Develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by your emergency management officials. Post your plan in your home where visitors can see it.

Explore this checklist

More information, including links to other resources, can be found on our website or weather.gov.