Central Jackson County Fire Protection District wants to remind its citizens to take the necessary precautions during an event where severe weather may impact your location. In the spring months, Missourians have seen the devastation that severe weather can do to our neighborhoods, as well as other cities in the Mid-Western portion of the United States. On May 22nd, 2011 the Joplin Tornado damaged or destroyed more than 8,000 homes and businesses and was responsible for 161 deaths. This was the deadliest tornado on record since modern recordkeeping began in 1950.

CJCFPD asks that you participate in a tornado drill either at your place of employment, school, and your home; it should not take more than 15 minutes to complete. Once you hear the broadcast drill message or outdoor warning sirens, you should practice performing the drill. The safest shelter location is an interior room without windows in the lowest level of a building. Other safe locations for businesses and schools include hallways, underneath staircases and designated tornado safe rooms. The drill is complete once everyone is accounted for in the designated shelters.

Thanks to our friends at the Missouri Department of Public Safety, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has produced three short videos that will show you how to protect yourself at school, in a home, and in a mobile home during the threat of severe weather or a tornado.

Please click on the images below to watch these YouTube videos.

We are back!!!! Central Jackson County Fire Protection District is reviving its Paramedic program this year. The program consists of didactic, hands-on and clinical components. With these components, the EMTs will be prepared to provide advanced life support interventions to the sick and injured. The application process is open until July 15, 2013 with classes beginning August 29, 2013.

For more information and application materials, feel free to contact the CJC Training and EMS Education Center @ 816-229-9118, or you may visit the EMS Education page on our website.