Boone County Ready

Only 58 days until the Boone County Ready Festival!

This year's event will be held at Cosmo Park's Lamb Shelter on Thursday, September 12 from 4pm - 8pm.

The Ready Festival will have fun for the whole family, including:

* Live music by Missouri's Most Wanted Outlaw Band
* Magic shows, balloon animals, face painting, and games
* Community resource booths and emergency vehicle tours
* Giveaways, raffles, prizes and food trucks

Save the date - we hope to see all of you there!

More information can be found at https://www.showmeboone.com/oem/festival/

***Outdoor warning siren test today***

The Boone County Office of Emergency Management will conduct a test of the outdoor warning sirens today from 12:00 PM to 12:35 PM. The purpose of this test is to ensure the functionality and reliability of the siren system, which is critical for public safety during emergencies.

This test will cover multiple siren zones throughout Boone County. During this time, some sirens may activate multiple times.

Residents are advised that this is only a test, and no action is required.

County

Our office will test the Boone County Outdoor Warning Siren system today at noon. During the monthly test, the sirens will sound for 3 minutes.

If you believe a siren did not activate, contact us at [email protected] so we can troubleshoot that siren location.

⚠️ Severe Weather Alert ⚠️

Scattered thunderstorms are expected in our area starting at 1pm and lasting until midnight. These storms will be capable of producing up to baseball size hail, damaging winds, with weak tornadoes (EF 0-1) possible. Please follow your local forecast closely to stay weather aware.

The 2024 Solar Eclipse is only 20 days away! We're itching to know what conditions will be like and know you are too. While we won't have an idea about the forecast for April 8, 2024 until the start of April, we can look back on history for some context. Typically April 8 in Farmington, MO has been dry with near to above normal temperatures and 50-60% cloud cover. While these conditions would be adequate for viewing the eclipse, they are not guaranteed to occur. Keep an eye on our forecast as the time gets closer at weather.gov!

Reminder: Join us TOMORROW from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm for a Service Severe Storm Spotter Training, provided by US National Weather Service Saint Louis Missouri.

This FREE presentation trains regional weather spotters to help report hazards like large hail, wind damage, and tornadoes during inclement weather. The class is open to anyone, regardless of age or experience, and runs about two hours long.

⚠️ Severe Weather Alert ⚠️

Scattered thunderstorms are expected in our area starting at 4pm and lasting into this evening. Some of these storms will be capable of producing up to baseball size hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, with some strong tornadoes (EF 2+) possible. Please follow your local forecast closely to stay weather aware.

When it comes to disasters, ... It's preparedness that counts. 🍀

3️⃣ preparedness tips you’ll find at the end of the rainbow 👉 fema.gov/blog/its-not-luck-3-preparedness-tips-youll-find-end-rainbow

Are you ready to spring forward this Sunday? Set your clocks ahead today and follow this emergency checklist to be prepared:

✅ Change the batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
✅ Change batteries in flashlights
✅ Check the supplies in emergency kits
✅ Check fire extinguishers
✅ Review your emergency plan

Did you know that a 3-inch hailstone can fall to the ground as fast as 107 mph? The largest hailstone on record in the US measured 7.9 inches in diameter! Find shelter, stay indoors, and stay away from windows when severe weather strikes. weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

TODAY is the day! Join us at 11 A.M. for the 2024 statewide tornado drill. NOAA weather radios will sound as well as sirens in participating communities. Practice taking shelter so you’re prepared when severe weather strikes.

✅ Get to an interior room on the lowest level of secure a structure
✅ Put as many walls as possible between you & the tornado
❌ NEVER attempt to shelter in a mobile home!

Our office will test the Boone County Outdoor Warning Siren system today at 11:00 am, concurrent with the statewide tornado drill. The sirens will sound for 3 minutes. If a siren does not activate, contact us at [email protected] so we can troubleshoot that siren location.

For Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week the statewide tornado drill will be held on Wednesday, March 6th at 11 AM. This tornado drill will take the place of our monthly outdoor warning siren test, normally held the first Wednesday of every month at 12 PM.

Join us Tuesday, March 19, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm for a Service Severe Storm Spotter Training, provided by US National Weather Service Saint Louis Missouri.

These FREE presentations train regional weather spotters to help report hazards like large hail, wind damage, and tornadoes during inclement weather. These classes are open to anyone, regardless of age or experience, and run about two hours long.

If you want to learn more about the weather, join us at The Crossing Church on the 19th!

❄️ Another round of snow expected Friday ❄️

Starting around 3am Friday and continuing until noon, the Boone County area is forecasted to receive 1-3" of snow. Please plan accordingly for the weather and be safe during the commute.

🚨 February is Earthquake Awareness Month 🚨

Earthquakes are dangerous events that can happen anywhere, anytime so preparedness ahead of time is critical. Follow these tips to be earthquake ready:

Make an emergency plan that includes communication information, meeting locations, and relevant family or medical contact numbers.

Know “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” - Drop to the ground, take cover under a table, and hold on until shaking stops.

Secure heavy items like bookshelves, refrigerators, and TVs to prevent them from falling during earthquakes.

As starts to fall in our area, please remember to leave plenty of distance between your vehicle and plow trucks working to clear roadways. Give them room to work!

***WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR BOONE COUNTY FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT***

⚠️ WHAT: Snow expected. Total snow accumulations from 1-5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

⚠️ IMPACTS: Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

❄️ If you haven't winterized your vehicle, there's still time to do it! ❄️

🔷 Service your vehicle
🔷 Install winter wipers
🔷 Mount winter tires
🔷 Keep washer fluids full
🔷 Maintain proper tire pressure

❄️ The first snow accumulation of the season that can cause accidents as people adjust to winter conditions. ❄️

🏠 Stay home if you can! Please only go out if necessary, so the highway crews can do their jobs to keep the roads clear and safe.

🚗 Slow down, don’t use cruise control, and increase your following distance between other vehicles.

***Winter Weather Alert***

Snowfall (3"+) is likely early next week for Missouri. The location of the heaviest snowfall remains uncertain at this time, so stay informed by watching your local news station or visiting the National Weather Service online for the latest updates.

🍁It's officially the first day of fall!🍁
From apple picking and pumpkin carving to jumping in leaf piles and sipping warm cider - add preparedness to your fall bucket list! Make a plan with your household for home fires and severe weather, build emergency kits together, and ensure everyone can receive emergency alerts and knows what they mean. 🍂 🍁
Learn more at ready.boonemo.org

Having an emergency kit prepared and ready at all times is an easy way to be prepared for severe weather or an emergency that requires you to shelter in place. Start by gathering items that you already have in your house. Emergency Kits should have supplies for at least 3 days; however, we recommend adding to your emergency supply stash whenever you can.

Basic Emergency Supplies include:
Non-perishable food (minimum of 3-day supply)
1 gal of water per person and pet per day (recommended minimum of 3-day supply)
Manual can opener
Flashlight and extra batteries
Matches and/or lighters
First Aid kit
Any required prescription or over-the-counter medicines
Battery-operated or hand crank radio
Books and games
Phone charger and/or power bank

Learn more about building an emergency kit at ready.boonemo.org

The 3rd Annual Boone County Ready Festival has officially kicked off!

Come by Stephens Lake Park and check it out. This free, family and pet-friendly event goes until 8pm.

SNEAK PEEK!
Here are a few fantastic raffle prizes we have lined up for this year's event!

No purchase is necessary; you must be present to win.

Grab any unwanted canned goods and bring them with you to this year's Ready Festival on September 14th from 4-8 pm in Stephens Lake Park.

The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri will be onsite collecting donations. Canned goods earn you raffle entries!

Have you opted in to the Boone County Ready Festival event messaging yet?

Text FESTIVAL to 67283. You will be automatically opted out after the event ends.

Make sure to be at the Ready Festival in Stephens Lake Park next Thursday by 6:30 pm to see the MU Meteorology Club launch a weather balloon!