Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Stay Informed, Plan Ahead, and Prepare
The Importance of Severe Weather Preparedness
This week marks Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois, coming alongside rainfall and thunderstorms as a season of stormy weather begins. Officials with the National Weather Service (NWS) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) urge the public to stay informed, have an emergency plan, and prepare an emergency supply kit.
Flooding, Tornadoes, and High Winds: The Most Common Natural Hazards in Illinois
According to Kevin Sur, the Public Information Officer for IEMA, "The most common natural hazard we see in Illinois is flooding, that can happen at any big city, small town, anywhere across the state." Additionally, "We also see a lot of impact from tornadoes and high winds. We want to make sure people are better prepared for these things."
Emergency Kit Essentials
Emergency kits should include a three-day supply of water, nonperishable food, and medication. "Things like flashlights are great to have as well, and maybe even some important documents in case you have to evacuate out of the area," Sur said.
Statistics: Are You Prepared?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 39% of Americans have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their families, and 48% of Americans do not have emergency supplies for a disaster.
Spring: The Season of Severe Weather
Spring is when meteorologists expect the potential for severe weather to increase. According to the NWS, tornadoes in Illinois are most frequent between April and June, but they can happen at any time. In 2023, for the first time, tornadoes occurred in January, February, and March, and July 2023 featured a record number of tornadoes (27) in the NWS Chicago forecast area.
National Weather Service: Issuing Watches, Warnings, and Advisories
"The main focus of the NWS is, first and foremost, we’re responsible for the issuance of watches, warnings, and advisories for all types of weather," said Jake Petr, the Lead Meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Chicago office. "With a watch, you want to be prepared. Think of it as the ingredients are present for severe weather or tornadoes to form, but it hasn’t happened yet. Whereas a warning is when you need to be alert and take action because there is either a tornado on the ground already or conditions are such that we believe one could form at any time."
Record-Breaking Weather Events
Last year, Illinois set a single day record for tornadoes in July. That same month, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration after damaging winds and severe flooding in several counties. Although we can’t prevent severe weather, officials say preparedness saves lives.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
"The best thing to do is subscribe to your local emergency alerts. These are the kind of real-time information anybody can receive at any odd hours of the day. And remember, a disaster or emergency can happen not only in the daylight hours, it can also happen at night," Sur said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in my emergency kit?
A: A three-day supply of water, nonperishable food, and medication, as well as flashlights and important documents.
Q: How can I stay informed about severe weather?
A: Subscribe to local emergency alerts to receive real-time information.
Q: What are the most common natural hazards in Illinois?
A: Flooding, tornadoes, and high winds.
Q: Can I prevent severe weather?
A: No, but preparedness saves lives.
Remember, preparation is key to staying safe during severe weather. Stay informed, have a plan, and prepare an emergency kit to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
