DAYTON — As spring approaches and the possibility for strong storms increases, it’s important to you and your family are aware of when severe weather is approaching.
The main way many of us know severe weather is on the way is when we hear tornado sirens.
To make sure the sirens are in working order, the National Weather Service conducts statewide tornado siren drills annually.
Logan Clark, a meteorologist with the NWS, said that the drills usually take place around March.
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“This is always the time of the year when we are starting to approach the severe weather season,” Clark told News Center 7′s Dontre Drexelius.
Another way the NWS keeps an eye on approaching weather is through trained storm spotters.
Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned citizens.
Clark said while radars are important, they don’t always let you see the full picture.
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“To have those additional people that are out there and able to report back information is extremely helpful,” he said.
To become a trained spotter you can sign up for the NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program on their website.