Residents in the Excelsior Springs area need to stay weather-aware as severe storms continue to hit, Excelsior Springs Fire Chief Joe Maddick advises.

Spring and summer bring heavy rains, high winds and the potential for dangerous storms and tornadoes.

“Pay attention to your surroundings and make sure that you have a plan in case the weather does get bad and you don’t get caught in some place that has no protection,” Maddick said.

Tornado sirens are the cue to go inside and seek shelter in either a basement or storm shelter. Having a plan for severe weather and knowing the location of the nearest storm shelter is pertinent to keeping families safe, safety experts advise.

Maddick explained why area residents will hear the tornado sirens turn on and off.

“They run for a specific amount of time and then they will shut off,” he said. “If the storm is still coming, we will reactivate them.”

Maddick stressed the reasons why being prepared for severe weather is important.

“For your safety and your family’s safety,” he said. “You don’t want to be driving down the road, if there’s a tornado coming or high winds or heavy rain that could cause flooding on the roads. You just don’t want to take that chance.”