State Fair officials remind fairgoers to seek shelter in designated locations during severe weather

[August 15, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD, IL—As changeable as the weather can be in August in central Illinois, State Fair officials would like to remind fairgoers to be alert of weather announcements made on the fairgrounds and to move to designated facilities in the event of approaching severe weather. 

“Unfortunately, in this business Mother Nature is one thing that we can not control,” said State Fair Manager Patrick Buchen. “Throughout the fair our staff will coordinate with the National Weather Service and the Illinois State Police to deliver weather updates throughout the fairgrounds.”

The State Fair’s plan details coordination between the National Weather Service (NWS), the Illinois State Police (ISP) and fair officials. For the 2015 Illinois State Fair, the NWS will provide daily weather briefings to ISP and State Fair officials; be available 24/7 for questions about current weather conditions upon request; and provide telephone notifications of imminent hazardous weather threats and high impact weather events. The plan also addresses how information about approaching hazardous weather will be disseminated throughout the fairgrounds and what facilities will serve as shelters.

“The Illinois State Police encourages all patrons attending the Illinois State Fair to exercise caution when inclement weather is expected,” stated Colonel Michael Zerbonia. “Visitors should monitor weather conditions and listen for Illinois State Fair weather updates throughout their visit,” he added.

“While people are enjoying themselves at the State Fair, they can have the peace of mind that National Weather Service will be constantly monitoring for hazardous weather” said Chris Miller, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the NWS in Lincoln, Illinois. “If you are notified about approaching storms, stay safe and move to substantial shelters on the fairgrounds immediately” said Miller.

In the event of potential severe weather approaching the area, fair officials will notify attendees through the public address system and advise fairgoers to seek shelter inside one of the more than 170 substantial buildings on the fairgrounds. Announcements will include the names of permanent structures in the area. Each building on the fairgrounds has signage marking it as a designated shelter for thunderstorms or tornadoes. It is important to note that a tent is not considered a permanent structure, as it is not designed to withstand high winds.

General fairgoer safety

The fairgrounds has several air conditioned buildings. The following buildings are designated as cooling stations: Artisans Building, Emmerson Building, Hobbies, Arts and Crafts Building, Illinois Building, Illinois Fire Museum, Kids Korner, and the Orr Building.

The First Aid tent will be staffed by the Illinois Capital Area chapter of the American Red Cross in the Emmerson Building Annex (west of Lincoln Stage). The station is designed to provide free, immediate, and temporary care for injuries and sudden illnesses. The First Aid station is open from 9 a.m.-midnight daily.

The Lost and Found Children’s Center is located south of the Grandstand on Grandstand Avenue. The Illinois State Police broadcasts emergency announcements from their booth on Illinois Avenue and from their headquarters on Grandstand Avenue. The center is open daily during regular fair hours.

Anyone needing assistance in an emergency should seek out the nearest Illinois State Police trooper, stop at Illinois State Police headquarters on Grandstand Avenue, or call 9-1-1.

[Illinois State Fair, AgriCommunications]