The memory of the tornado at Vermeer is spurring preparations for this year’s severe weather season; but Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt says it was fortunate that his department and other agencies were well-prepared enough to handle the situation they faced last year.

Sheriff Sandholdt says because of the procedures his office follows in severe weather situations, he and his deputies were in the Pella area ready to respond right after the tornado touched down.

And the sheriff tells KNIA/KRLS News all the agencies involved responded well, while learning even more about what to do in the future should something similar happen again.

“A good learning experience in regards to the storm watching that went along with it to be in the right place at the right time; and also the emergency response side of it — multiple different agencies from obviously not just Marion County but surrounding counties came to help us out,” Sheriff Sandholdt says.

“And we were very lucky that there were no serious injuries on it; but it definitely could have been a lot worse.”

The sheriff is reminding Marion County residents about some basic safety rules; he says you should immediately take cover if you see a tornado, and not stay outside to watch or record it with your cell phone.

He also suggests you not dial 9-1-1 to get the latest weather information; although extra calls can get referred elsewhere, too many could tie up dispatchers and prevent emergency calls from getting through.

For more information on severe weather preparedness and safety, tune in to today’s edition of Let’s Talk Knoxville.