March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month
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[March 23, 2023]
Illinois averages 53 tornadoes per year, which
means you should grab your dog Toto and be prepared for tornadoes
and severe weather. March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month and a
good time to plan ahead, especially with the severe weather here in
Illinois. |
“From
heavy snowfall to dangerous winds, everyone in Illinois should be
prepared for adverse conditions,” said Illinois Emergency Management
Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Last week, Illinois saw
multiple tornadoes throughout the state, followed by
unseasonably-warm temperatures, and now we’re getting ready for snow
and potential flooding.”
Illinois ranks fourth in the United States for the most tornadoes
per square mile.
Communities across the state are also susceptible to flooding as it
is the most common natural hazard in the U.S. According to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just 1 inch of water can
cause $25,000 of damage in your home.
Severe weather preparedness includes gathering information and
supplies to prepare for a loss of electricity or if you must,
evacuate from your neighborhood. That’s why IEMA offers a Family
Communications Plan to help people map locations to meet and track
important contact information.
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IEMA also recommends that you:
-
Keep all important records and documents in a
secure waterproof container
-
Make an inventory of possessions using lists and
photos/videos
-
Insure your property and possessions
-
Know how to shut off electricity, gas, and water
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Compile an emergency kit and “go bag” to help
your family for at least three days during extended power
outages or evacuations
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In case power is out, make sure flashlights with
fresh batteries are ready
-
Generators should only be run outside, never
indoors or in enclosed spaces
A good resource for planning can be downloaded for
free at:www2.illinois.gov/
ready/plan/Pages/FamilyPlan.aspx
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Illinois.gov
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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