Sedgwick County Emergency Management offers residents of Sedgwick County free Severe Weather Safety Classes that were developed by the National Weather Service.
Please note: All events are subject to change. Be sure to double-check with the event organizers in case of cancellations.
The annual Severe Weather Safety classes begin February 24 and will be held at various locations in Sedgwick County.
Here’s a brief description from SedgwickCounty.org:
These classes are designed to teach attendees the basics of thunderstorm development, storm structures and features, where to find them, and how to stay safe from them. What, when and how to report information is also covered. The session is a multi-media presentation, which includes detailed video. Classes are open to the public and no prior experience or knowledge of severe weather is necessary to attend.
Years ago I attended one of these two-hour sessions and felt so much better equipped to understand what I’m seeing when those ominous clouds are in the sky. I think it might be good to have a refresher course too.
(These free storm-spotter classes are also held outside of Sedgwick County. Visit the National Weather Service website here to find classes near you.)
Note: March 4 a special class will be held at the Wichita Public Library Advanced Learning Location from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is a scaled down version of the storm spotter training developed by the National Weather Service and is sponsored by the library, the City of Wichita, and the Wichita Amateur Radio Club.
2020 Severe Weather Safety Classes in Sedgwick County
Here are the upcoming dates, times, and locations for the classes. They are free and registration is not necessary.
All classes begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted and last two hours. As an added bonus, Emergency Management will be giving away a starter disaster preparedness kit.
February classes
- Monday, February 24
Valley Center Community Center
314 E. Clay - Thursday, February 27
Mount Hope Community Building
105 S. Ohio St. Mt. Hope KS
March classes
- Monday, March 2
Viola City Building
Main St. & Wilson St. - Tuesday, March 3
Wichita Northwest High School Auditorium
1220 N. Tyler - Wednesday, March 4 – 10 a.m.
McConnell AFB, Bldg 840
2nd Floor Auditorium
Open to military personnel only - Thursday, March 5
Clearwater Fire Station
319 W. Ross - Saturday, March 7 – 10 a.m.
Mulvane Fire Station #1
910 E. Main St. - Monday, March 9
Maize City Hall
10100 W. Grady - Wednesday, March 11
Colwich City Building
310 S. Second St.
- Thursday, March 12
Goddard City Building
118 N. Main St. Goddard KS
(combined class for Garden Plain & Goddard) - Monday, March 16
Derby Public Library
1600 Walnut Grove - Tuesday, March 17
Bel Aire City Building
7651 E. Central Park - Wednesday, March 18
City of Sedgwick Senior Center
107 W. 5th
- Monday, March 30
Cheney Fire Department
525 N. Main St. - Tuesday, March 31
Oaklawn Community Center
2937 E. Oaklawn Dr.
April classes
- Wednesday, April 1
Kechi City Hall
220 W. Kechi Rd. - Thursday, April 2
Haysville Police Department
200 W. Grand Ave. - Tuesday, April 7
Bentley City Building
150 S. Wichita Ave. Bentley KS - Wednesday, April 8
Park City City Hall
1941 E. 61st St. N.
Sedgwick County Emergency Management presents severe weather safety classes throughout Sedgwick County to help residents prepare for storm season.
All of these classes are FREE for Sedgwick County residents. They are especially good for newcomers to the area.
Please share the information about these storm classes with friends and acquaintances who have recently moved to Kansas. Not only will they learn what they need to know to stay safe, but they’ll also learn more about when scary looking clouds do not indicate threatening weather.
For more information and to check for cancellations or schedule changes, visit SedgwickCounty.org
Do you know anyone else who could benefit from these presentations?
Preparing for Severe Weather in Kansas
As with any emergency, preparedness can make the difference. Here are some tips from the county on how to stay prepared for storms:
- Get a kit: Gather necessary items and information for your family’s emergency preparedness kit
- Make a plan: A thorough and practiced plan can help you keep track of family members in any emergency.
- Be informed: Stay tuned to sources of information before, during, and after an emergency.
- Get involved: We all have a role to play in keeping our hometowns safe. Contact local volunteer organizations to find out how you can contribute.
You can find more information about each of these steps (how to put together a kit, how to develop a plan for your family, etc.) at the Sedgwick County website, which I’ve linked below.
