This week is Weather Emergency Preparedness Week in Pennsylvania and it's not just for first responders.

First responders on the state, county, and local level have been busy with drills during this Weather Emergency Preparedness Week. On Thursday, the big one will happen in Cumberland County, involving most of the local schools. So while the students are learning some valuable emergency information, it’s also a great time for the rest of us to brush up because in only the past year and a half several local communities have felt the worst that mother nature has to offer.

In September of '05 an F-1 tornado touched down in Upper Allen Township's Rose Garden development.

Last spring sent the Susquehanna above its banks in Marysville.

And this past December another twister struck portions of upper Dauphin County.

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to form a natural disaster plan. Start with setting a box aside with a few necessities like a gallon of water and an extra set of clothing for each person in your house. Keep a flashlight with spare batteries and a small radio, if possible.

Pre-determine a meeting place if you can't contact your family within a few hours. And take advantage of your cell phone by saving a text reminder detailing your plan.

It's called a flash flood for a reason, and a funnel cloud is anything but fun. Even if everything else is lost you'll still have your plan.

Source