How Prepared Are You?

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Wednesday marks the beginning of Severe Storm Awareness month in Kentucky. Emergency personnel across the state kicked off the campaign with a news conference in Madisonville Tuesday morning.

"We want to educate the public and get the word out about the potential threat severe weather can have on everyone."

You may be surprised to know the strongest tornado on record in the United States in 2005 struck Madisonville.

"As I came across the hill, my heart just stopped. I saw trees down and homes blowing across the road. I knew it had to be more than an F-1 or F-2."

Many witnessed the F-4 tornado as it carved its path of destruction last November. Winds reaching 220 mph injured dozens of people, damaged hundreds of homes and destroyed more than 150 houses and businesses.

Officials say they can't stress enough the importance of knowing what's going on around you, tuning into local media for alerts and purchasing a weather radio to update you on incoming storms.