By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorWhen it comes to severe weather, a local resident who specializes in emergency preparedness has a simple reminder.“Take the threat seriously,” said Jim Sharp, owner and chief training officer of Warrenton-based Aegis Emergency Management.Sharp has over 30 years in the profession, having worked the past five years in the private sector after he founded his own company. His firm specializes in emergency response plans, tactical response and strategic contingency plans, emergency action checklists and threat assessments for a broad spectrum of businesses, organizations and communities.Prior to starting Aegis, he spent 10 years as a field training officer, public information officer, and deputy chief in the Metro East. With March 2-6 recognized as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Missouri, Sharp said it’s important for local residents to be aware that the “traditional” season of spring storms is fast approaching.“It is easy to think of bad things happening to somebody else,” Sharp said. “The reality of it is, we might be their somebody else.”Sharp encourages families, individuals and businesses to have plans in place for weather events that typically occur in this area, such as severe storms, tornadoes, or flash flooding.He said spending 10 to 15 minutes identifying safe places in homes or businesses is crucial, as well as reviewing how they will make sure they have enough food on hand and be able to get by without electronic or Internet service.“I have talked to people who have 2,000 rounds of ammo in their basement, but don’t have a way to charge a cellphone or get hold of their kids if they are in trouble,” Sharp remarked.He offered a few tips for being better prepared:• Use technology and commons sense. Have ways to receive weather alerts or other emergency notification and act upon the information that is received.• Outdoor warning sirens are designed to help people who are outside and are not intended to wake people up or be heard indoors.• Be a good neighbor. Introduce yourself to neighbors so that a line of communication has been opened, especially if they have a physical or cognitive need and assistance is required.“You have to prepare for the things that likely will happen,” Sharp said. “It used to be, 15-20 years ago in emergency management we loved to plan. It was what we did. We had a plan for everything. They worked great, but Mother Nature does not follow your plan”Severe weather