Severe Weather: Be aware. Be prepared.

Billy Bass – Horizon News Editor

As storms rolled through south-central Kansas Saturday night, high winds, torrential rainfall, and cloud-to-ground lightning kept many on campus. Despite these conditions, some Hesston College students braved the storms, running back home to Kauffman Court after a visit to Erb, or returning from Casey’s with one of their legendary pizzas. While all of pizza and visits with friends are great, it is important to keep in mind that these severe weather events can be dangerous, and safety should always be priority.

Deb Hiebert, administrative assistant for campus facilities, is one of those charged with informing the campus of dangerous weather. She says students can be all too apathetic about severe weather. 

“Students don’t take it seriously,” she said. “Watches mean it’s possible, but warnings mean severe weather is coming and they should take shelter.”

According to the National Weather Service, 56 people are killed over a three year average because of tornadoes with 22 people killed by lightning strikes. Described by “The Washington Post” as “a lesser known, but leading weather killer,” flash-flooding is said to kill an average of 98 people per year– simply because they didn’t follow the advice to “turn around, and don’t drown.”

Always be aware that Kansas weather changes constantly, said Hiebert. Don’t be one of those standing outside hoping to see a tornado. Be active and prepared. Have campus webmail on your phone to receive updates from Hiebert and other Hesston personnel, and take Hiebert’s advice.

“Be alert to how the sky changes.”