As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the Erie News Now team has been on the ground, gathering tips on how you and your family can stay safe.

With inclemate weather on the rise, safety has become a priority. Ken McCorrison, Director of the Warren County Department of Public Safety provided the Erie News Now team with tips and suggestions to stay ahead of the weather.

“I would encourage people to download the FEMA application on their mobile device," stated McCorrison. "The app walks you through everything from preparedness to recovery, when a severe incident happens. It will also tell you how to make emergency plans, where you should shelter, or where and when it's better to shelter in place."

In addition to leveraging digital resources, the Warren County Public Safety Department has also recently partnered with the National Weather Service to offer both virtual and in-person classes on storm spotting.

"Warren County hosts virtual and in-person storm spotting training in cooperation with the National Weather Service," McCorrison said. "The SkyWarn storm spotter program is a program where people from the public, from all walks of life, can sign up and learn more about severe weather, specifically thunderstorms, tornadoes, and things of that nature.”

Experts underscore the importance of proactive measures in mitigating the risks posed by severe weather. Recommendations include utilizing weather alert applications on mobile devices and investing in NOAA weather radios, especially for those residing outside the coverage radius of standard weather alarms.

For further information and resources, visit here.