SULLIVAN, Mo. – The Sullivan Fire Department is adding volunteer firefighters and staff tomorrow in anticipation of severe weather arriving Friday evening.

“You just kind of get a little nervous because it usually seems like things get kind of rough through here,” said Jason Harbour, a Sullivan resident.

Sullivan Deputy Captain, Fire Marshal Corey Rice reminds residents storms often lead to downed power lines.  He said it’s important for residents to report any downed lines and to stay away from damage.

During previous storms, even when weather sirens were heard, Rice said residents were out and about when they should have been taking cover.

“We still had people just going around to look at the sights, so it causes a traffic jam,” he said.  “It causes more chaos.”

Sullivan was hit with a tornado that leveled one business and caused damage in other parts of the community in May of 2024.  On Monday, there were still visible signs of damage from an April 2023 storm.

Rice hopes everyone will be prepared. 

“Watch the news and listen for the sirens. If they sound, take cover in your home—interior walls, somewhere like a bathroom or a basement,” Rice added.