Local pastor promotes storm preparedness
Solid Rock Church Pastor Wayne Keith and Storm Alert Center’s Daniel Wilson. Keith’s church hosted a Storm Spotter’s Class after a inquiry from Keith’s grandson.
Staff Report
Isaac Smith, the grandson of Pastor Wayne Keith, had questions about weather and was looking for answers.
“I feel it’s important for people to know about storm safety, have a knowledge of what to look for, and how to respond during severe weather,” Keith said.
Pastor of Solid Rock Church in Russell Springs, Keith knew the one to call to provide that information…Daniel Wilson of the Storm Alert Center.
“He is credible and knowledgeable about many aspects of severe weather and storm damage surveying, so we asked him to come,” the pastor said.
Storm Alert Center Chief Forecaster Daniel Wilson during the recent Storm Spotter’s Class in Russell Springs.
Last Monday’s Storm Spotter’s Class, held in the fellowship hall at the Solid Rock Church, had a good turnout.
“I brought the first weather class to Russell County years ago and taught countless classes since then,” Wilson, Chief Forecaster at the Storm Alert Center, said. “When asked by Bro. Keith to do this one, it was an automatic ‘Yes.’”
A drawing was held for a NOAA Weather Radio and flashlights, and Russell County Emergency Manager Michael Bray provided battery-operated lights-which also serve as a steady or flashing red beacon for those in attendance.
The class included differences in watches and warnings, how tornadoes and severe storms develop, as well as how to respond to both and dealing with lightning, flooding and best places to go in the event of a tornado.
Keith said he hopes to host another class sometime in the future.
