Confused about the difference between a weather watch, weather warning, and weather advisory? You’re in luck, because simplified, plain language weather information is on its way.
Identification of simplified language and graphics are two of several weather, emergency, and public service items that have been released or enacted recently in St. Joseph County.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is working on hazard simplification, county Emergency Services Director Erin Goff said. This will include consolidating information and eliminating potentially confusing terms.
“They’re going to be consolidating wind chill watch, warnings, and advisories into extreme cold watches and warnings, and then a cold weather advisory,” Goff said. “This is because the requirements for wind child warnings were pretty specific. This will make it a little more broad, so that when we have really, really cold weather but don’t have the wind to go along with it, we can still provide the notification.”
As NWS starts implementing its changes, the county will inform its first responders, community partners, and residents, Goff said. The county is under the jurisdiction of NWS’ northern Indiana office, which Goff said also provides important information for the local area.
While the county prepares for the fall and winter, other new public safety measures have been taken at local government meetings and by local agencies.
In late August, the Sturgis City Commission unanimously voted to continue having at least three ambulances, with a fourth in storage for emergencies or able to be rented to other ambulance services in need of a loaner vehicle.
The Sturgis Department of Public Safety also announced in August that it would introduce new emergency alerting software beginning on October 1. The software allows for notifications of emergency alerts, public safety press releases, and community event information.
There are three ways to receive information:
- Text SturgisMI to 38276 to sign up for emergency alerts
- Text SturgisEvents to 38276 to sign up for emergency alerts and community event information
- Text SturgisPS to 38276 to sign up for press releases issued by the Department of Public Safety
St. Joseph County itself uses IPAWS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning System, for notifications.
“It is an excellent resource because it does not require any opt-in actions, and it’s the same system used for national alerts, AMBER Alerts, and severe weather messages sent by the National Weather Service,” Goff said.
Also on October 1, the Three Rivers City Commission unanimously approved a $70,870.82 purchase order to Conway Shield, which supplies the city with its firefighter turnout gear.
“This purchase is needed to give all department staff two sets of functional firefighting turnout gear,” Fire Chief Paul Schoon wrote. “Turnout gear is mandated to be washed after each fire and can take up to 24 hours to finish. A second set of turnout gear is needed to allow staff to respond while primary sets are being washed.”
The turnout gear purchase is being funded by a $41,310.36 grant from the State of Michigan, along with money in the fiscal year 2024 budget.
While Goff doesn’t consult with cities on their equipment purchases, her department is involved with preparations for severe weather.
“When I coordinate with the local police, fire chiefs and EMS authorities, my role is to help with some of the preparedness efforts,” Goff said. “It can be training or passing along grant opportunities to help offset costs. A lot of my role is on the preparedness side, and then I help support their response and our ultimate recovery efforts.”
As cooler weather approaches, Goff said residents should pay attention and follow best practices. The cold affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and anyone with medical problems. There are also steps to take when traveling.
“If you’re going to be traveling when there’s winter weather expected, make sure that you’re extra-prepared and have a kit in your car,” Goff says. “Make sure that you’re watching the forecast. If you do get stranded, don’t leave your vehicle. You’re much more likely to be found if you’re there.”
Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
