Local agencies work to keep people safe in severe weather
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - As severe weather season ramps up in Nebraska, several agencies in Lincoln and Lancaster County are working ahead of time to keep people safe. From 911 dispatchers to emergency management, they’re staying on top of the latest conditions and preparing just in case things take a turn for the worst.
“We’re always watching and listening when we know things are coming,” Michael Binder, a public safety dispatcher, said.
At the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center, dispatchers are constantly monitoring the latest from NEMA and the National Weather Service, ready to help when severe weather takes a turn.
“Everybody calls either non emergency or 911,” Binder said. “When the storms roll through we’re always their first call.”
The communication center said during severe weather, they receive between 400 to 500 calls an hour. Whether it be downed power lines, tree branches, or injuries.
“We’ll help them and either get them to the right agency, or get them the right help,” Binder said.
One of those agencies is Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management. The agency not only tracks potential storms, but has volunteers on the ground to bring the latest information.
“Anything that threatens the health, safety and welfare of any of our Lancaster County residents, emergency management is paying very close attention to that,” Jim Davidsaver, director of emergency management, said.
Their social media posts alert people to threats, from severe thunderstorms to tornadoes, as well as how to prepare.
“So if in fact, severe weather does arrive, it doesn’t keep get doesn’t catch you off guard,” Davidsaver said.
Emergency Management said it’s important to have ways to get information about severe weather handy. Whether it be via phone, weather radio, or social media. They also urge people to have plans ready for sheltering in place, and an emergency kit ready with at least three days worth of supplies.
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