From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Emergency Management Agency is asking people to pay close attention to weather conditions Thursday night.
Director James Coker said he is watching a system coming from the west closely to ensure residents stay informed throughout the evening and early morning hours. Coker said county leaders, school leaders, hospitals and other entities have been working together to determine a plan if anything were to trigger the need for a response.
As for residents, there are several ways to connect with EMA officials. You can sign up to the Everbridge citizens’ alert notification system here. Also, sign up for alerts on your favorite weather app. Coker said if your area is issued a tornado warning, sirens will sound within the polygon where the warning has been issued by the National Weather Service.
“The most important part of that is that if you get a warning now in Jefferson County, you’ve got to take immediate action because your life may be in immediate danger,” Coker said.
Coker is expecting the threat to enter our area around 6 p.m., Thursday. He said he hopes everyone is already aware of the nearest storm shelter. He said especially over the next two months, everyone will need to have a severe weather plan. You can access a list of shelters within the county by clicking here. Coker said they typically operate any time a tornado watch is issued.