Missouri Launches Website for Tornadoes, Severe Storms Alerts

State Emergency Management Agency managers in Missouri Wednesday announced a new website to help inform and prepare Missourians for severe weather. Stormaware.mo.gov includes detailed videos on how to take shelter in specific types of buildings, important information about tornado sirens and weather alert radios, and links to severe weather texting services that can alert people across Missouri to upcoming severe weather.

“We think Missouri StormAware will be a valuable tool to educate all Missourians about the steps they can take to help protect themselves from dangerous severe weather,” State Emergency Management Agency Director Paul Parmenter said in the announcement.

“We’re providing very specific information about the safest places in different types of buildings, and pointing out the limitations of tornado sirens that people should be aware of."

The site also shows how people the steps mobile home residents should take as soon as they move in to their residences. There’s also information for sheltering in schools, places of worship and other large gathering places.

A video on tornado sirens and how they are used explains that they are designed to alert only people who are outdoors, and should not be relied upon while indoors. In another video, a National Weather Service meteorologist explains the importance of weather alert radios and recommends that every Missouri family have one in their home. 

An important feature of the StormAware site allows users to find text messaging services in communities, such as and , that will allow them to get automatic text alerts whenever a severe storm warning is issued in their area. The services, which are not provided by the state of Missouri, are free, but normal text messaging rates will apply.

Parmenter said they soon will add new content.