Steamboat Weather Summit: Develop A Plan Before Disaster Strikes
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - For the 26th year in a row, broadcast meteorologists from around the country are in Steamboat Springs this week for the annual Steamboat Weather Summit.
This year we sent CBS4 Meteorologist Justin McHeffey to "the boat" to discuss trending topics in meteorology and to hear speakers talking about everything from emergency preparedness to surviving tornadoes.
Tuesday's panel included Tom Iovino, a public information officer from Pinellas County, Florida, speaking about his experience of being weather ready when it comes to hurricane evacuations.
While we don't have hurricanes in Colorado, many of the same principals can be applied to evacuating from a flood or wildfire.
"The time to start preparing for any disaster is now, when the sun is shining and its a beautiful day outside. If you wait until the last minute to prepare for a disaster, when its actually happening, it will be too late," said Iovino.
Having a plan and being weather ready doesn't apply to just large scale disasters.
In a state like Colorado, it can also mean having a winter survival kit in the trunk of your car in case you get caught in a sudden snow storm.
For more information about hazards we face in Colorado and how you can prepare before one strikes, visit Ready Colorado by clicking here.
Once there you can click on "My Map" to see the hazards that commonly occur in your community.
You can click on "Prepare" to learn how to make a plan for you and your family.
Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.