Spring is coming and with it will be severe weather – thunderstorms, high winds, floods, and tornadoes.

To remind Kansans to prepare for the coming severe weather season, Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a proclamation designating March 7-11 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Kansas.

"Preparedness is the best defense against the severe springtime weather we typically have in Kansas,” Kelly said. “Last year, there were no deaths attributed to tornadoes in the state, thanks in part to our early warning systems and the preparedness measures taken by Kansans across the state.”

Kelly also credited the cooperative information and education efforts of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, county emergency management agencies, and media partners.

“We have a great working relationship with other state agencies, private organizations and news outlets,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “KDEM is committed to keeping Kansans safe and we could not do it without the help of all these partners.”

As part of the week’s activities, Kansans are urged to take part in the statewide tornado safety drill 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8. This year, to avoid any confusion to the public, a live tornado warning will not be sent out on the NOAA Weather Radio. Instead, there will be a Routine Weekly Test message asking people to practice sheltering.

“We are asking county emergency managers to sound their outdoor warning sirens as part of the drill,” said Morgan, “and ask for their help to publicize this drill ahead of time and on the actual test date. We also encourage all Kansans to use this week to make sure their home emergency kits are stocked with up-to-date supplies and to review their home emergency plans.”

Information on emergency preparedness and building a home disaster kit can be found online at to www.fema.gov or www.redcross.org.