Enjoy State Park Areas, Be Prepared for Changing Weather Conditions

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NGPC news release, 6/18/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. -- It’s no secret that severe storms have rocked the Midwest this spring and many visitors to Nebraska’s state parks have wondered what they should do in the event of a severe weather warning while they are enjoying a state area.

Jim Fuller, administrator of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Parks Division, said about one-half of the state parks have onsite staff available to assist people using the area. The staff has radio communications with the county sheriff and the Nebraska State Patrol and there are generally foul weather programs in place on the manned areas.

The staff generally is aware of area weather conditions and monitors weather radios when conditions warrant monitoring. In the case of emergencies, the staff attempts to notify park visitors and advising where people can take shelter in shower/latrine buildings, basements, brick or block buildings. They can also suggest other options, such as sitting out the storm in other locations, or leaving the area and suggesting evacuation routes.

Whether the park area is manned or not, people should make plans and decisions when choosing their camping sites in areas which are less likely to attract lightning, are out of the wind, where they are unlikely to be stranded if the area were to become flooded due to heavy rains.

People should be aware of the weather forecast and the possibility of inclement weather and exercise normal storm and tornado emergency procedures wherever they happen to be if an emergency situation arises. Keep a first aid kit, flashlight and portable radio handy and carry a cell phone in event it is necessary to summon assistance.

The odds of encountering sudden severe weather in a state park area are low, no higher than the chances of being struck by the same storm at home. The Commission urges you to visit its state park areas, enjoy all of the available recreational opportunities and activities offered there, and, as always wherever you go, be prepared for the possibility of changing weather conditions.