(MSC News)--Now is the time to prepare.

That’s the message the Kansas Division of Emergency Management wants Kansans to heed as spring approaches, bringing with it severe weather season.
Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a proclamation designating March 2-6 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas.

During the week, Kansans are urged to check their emergency kit supplies for their home, office and vehicle, and review their emergency plans to make sure they are prepared for whatever severe weather is thrown our way.

Kansans are also urged to take part in the statewide tornado safety drill Tuesday afternoon at 1:30.

According to the National Weather Service, 40 tornadoes hit the state in 2014, about 40 fewer than the 30-year average of 80 and the fewest since 1989. There were 27 tornado-related injuries reported, but no fatalities. The first tornado was reported April 2; the last was on Dec. 14, a reminder that tornadoes can strike any time of the year. The most tornadoes in one day occurred May 11 when nine tornadoes were reported in the state.

In addition, the National Weather Service has declared March 4 as National Flood Awareness Day.  KDEM Deputy Director Angee Morgan says on average, floods claim more lives each year than tornadoes.  She says more than half of flood-related deaths involve vehicles. Cars, even SUVs and trucks, can be swept away by just two feet of moving water.  Morgan says the best protection during a flood is to leave the area or your car and take shelter on higher ground.

Information on emergency preparedness and building an emergency kit can be found online at www.ksready.gov