By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — The warm humid air is a signal that summer is near — and so is severe weather season.
So far this spring, 110 people have died in Indiana due to severe weather.  There have been more than 873 tornado sightings — 200 more than were reported in 2007. This past weekend, an F-2 tornado tore through the northeast side of Indianap-olis, leaving people homeless and thousands still without power.
The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency would like to remind everyone to be ready to react when severe weather approaches.

“I think the most important thing for people is to understand the ‘watch’ and ‘warning’ and take them seriously,” said Clyde Avery, EMA director for Marshall County. “They put them out for a reason and the reason is to help save lives.”
A “tornado watch” means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. If a watch is issued, you should take precautions to protect yourself.  Keep informed by watching the television or listening to the radio for updates from the National Weather Service.  
A “tornado warning” means that a tornado has been sighted and reported.
If a “tornado warning” is issued, seek shelter immediately.  If you have a basement, go to the basement.  If you do not have a basement, go to a room in the middle of the house (a closet or bathroom). Always stay away from outside walls and windows.
Prepare for any type of emergency by developing a Family Emergency Plan.  You should conduct periodic drills to test your plan so that everyone knows how to react in the event a real emergency should occur. A little pre-planning can prevent unnecessary panic and confusion.
Put together an emergency storm kit that includes:
A battery or hand crank radio with extra batteries, a first aid kit, money or a credit card, water (at least one gallon per person per day) enough for three days, non-perishable food (enough for each person for three days), medication, spare set of eye glasses etc., pet supplies (food, water).
“I think the one thing the Nappanee tornado did was bring to the forefront that nobody is immune from these disasters,” said Avery. “You need to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family.”
If you would like additional information regarding disaster preparedness, please contact the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency at 574-936-3740.