By JEANNE CHAMPION FISCH / Community Columnist

Memorial Weekend has ended and Westover residents are looking forward to summer fun. In addition, the weather threat has decreased for tornadoes in our area. Normally, the tornado season is heaviest in the early spring; however, in Alabama – tornados can occur 24/7.

Westover has a safety plan for its citizens by having a storm shelter that can house about 120 people for an F5 tornado. It was last used on a late Tuesday afternoon in April 2016 – about 60 people sheltered within the strong shelter walls.

Westover is in the “Dixie Alley” so weather sirens, weather alert apps and a storm shelter are available for the Westover citizens. There are weather alert radios that can be programed for our area. Three of the four seasons – fall, winter and spring – are prime periods for tornadoes; however, while doing research, I noticed that every month and every hour of the day can produce a tornado. Please have a safety plan ready for emergencies. Have an “action plan!”

Westover storm shelter is located next to City Hall (3312 Westover Road) with a weather siren in the park behind City Hall. There is an additional weather siren in the western section of Westover near the Carden Crest subdivision. Whenever there is a “tornado watch” in effect, the storm shelter is opened by the fire department. This procedure was established when the storm shelter was installed in May 2009. A person never knows when a tornado can quickly develop during a watch so the storm shelter must be available whenever it is needed on a moment’s notice. The storm shelter is accessed via the parking lot behind City Hall.

Our last deadly outbreak was the end of April 2011. It has become known as “2011 Super Outbreak.” It was the largest tornado outbreak ever recorded and is known as the fourth deadliest outbreak in United States history, killing over 300 people. The nation’s peak season for tornadoes is May through June but living in the South, we know that April and November can produce these strong “super cells” which can create deadly tornados. Remember to have your “action plan” ready and be sure all your family members know it in detail.