Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Tornado season is here, Birmingham—3 must-haves you need in your kit
Reading time: 4 minutes
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In Jefferson County, severe weather isn’t a matter of if—it’s when. As spring approaches, so does Alabama’s peak tornado and storm season, making now the time to double-check your plan, your alerts and your emergency kit.
We spoke with Jim Coker, director of the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, to break down what locals often get wrong and what you actually need to stay safe.
Don’t underestimate “just” a thunderstorm
If you think tornadoes only come from massive, headline-making storms, think again.
According to Coker, many people don’t realize that severe thunderstorms themselves can produce tornadoes—and not the kind you see coming from miles away.
“These are not the long-track tornadoes like we saw during the 2011 Super Outbreak. They can appear suddenly with little warning.”
Jim Coker, Director, Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency
That’s why his advice is simple: Treat every severe thunderstorm warning like a tornado warning. And even without a tornado, severe storms can bring powerful straight-line winds strong enough to knock down trees, damage homes and cause widespread outages.
The 3 must-haves for every severe weather kit
You don’t need a complicated setup to be prepared, but you do need the essentials.
Coker recommends every household have these three items ready to go:
- A NOAA weather radio
This is your most reliable way to receive alerts, especially overnight or during power outages. - A fully charged cell phone (plus charger!)
Your phone keeps you connected to emergency alerts, loved ones and 911 if needed. As someone whose phone is chronically about to die—take it as your sign to keep a charger handy just in case. - A flashlight with working batteries
If the power goes out (especially after dark) you’ll need a safe, reliable light source.
Why these three? Because when severe weather hits, information and visibility are everything. A weather radio and your phone give you multiple ways to receive warnings, while a flashlight becomes essential if the power goes out, especially after dark.
Don’t rely on just one alert system
If you only depend on sirens or your phone, you’re taking a risk.
Coker stresses the importance of having multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, including:
- NOAA weather radios
- The JeffCo Alert System
- Local TV station weather apps
- Outdoor warning sirens
And here’s something many people misunderstand: Outdoor sirens are not designed to be heard indoors!
“They’re meant for places like parks. During a loud storm you may not hear them at all, so they should never be your only warning source.”
Jim Coker, Director, Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency
Know your shelter options before you need them
Not everyone in Jefferson County has a basement, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
If you live in a house without one, head to an interior room on the lowest floor, like a bathroom or hallway. The goal is to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
If severe weather hits while you’re out:
- Move into a sturdy building immediately
- Avoid cars if possible (they’re not safe in tornadoes)
- Stay away from windows + large open spaces
Severe weather can escalate quickly in Alabama, and often with little warning. Here’s where you can find local storm shelters across Jefferson County.
Taking a few simple steps now—building a basic kit, setting up multiple alerts and knowing where to shelter—can make all the difference when seconds count.
Stay informed, have a plan in place and make sure your household is prepared. Visit Jefferson County EMA for more weather updates, news + more.
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