The Tazewell County Emergency Management Agency wants residents to be aware of the dangers severe weather brings.
Although Severe Weather Preparedness Week just passed (Feb. 28-March 6), those living in Tazewell County should take heed to ensure their homes and families are protected and not wait until severe weather is approaching.
Statistics show that many times, people wait until it is too late.
Last year in Illinois, there were 52 tornadoes reported and four fatalities caused by flash floods, according to the Emergency Management Agency.
Those numbers alone should be enough to make residents stop in their tracks and create a storm safety plan.
The Tazewell County EMA provides a series of safety tips to review inside every household at www.tazewellesda.org/. The “Are You Ready Plan” provides information about emergency planning and disaster supplies for all types of scenarios. And while the list may seem rudimentary, these tips could save a life or lives.
Because spring is known for severe weather, such as thunderstorms and tornadoes, it is a good idea to start with this plan.
First, hold a family meeting to discuss what should be done in case of an emergency. Talk with children about meeting places inside and outside the home and then practice going to them, so that if the time comes, they know exactly what to do. Storms can be a scary event for children, and the more prepared and trained they are, the better it should be for them.
It is also a good idea to make an emergency supply kit with essentials, such as canned foods, water, a first-aid kit and flashlights. The Tazewell County EMA provides a list of items to include in this kit (see story on Page 1).
Another tool the Tazewell County EMA provides to promote safety is storm spotters.
For those who enjoy the thrill of watching a storm brew, the EMA offers the annual storm spotter training program. These volunteer spotters are valuable because the more eyes there are searching for storms, the better.
Nearly 100 people attended the class last year, and, hopefully, the turnout will be as good this year.
National Weather Service meteorologist Ed Shimon will lead the class and teach people how to interpret weather conditions, such as clouds, wind speeds and drops in temperature.
“The whole goal is to warn the public and have them take action early enough to save lives,” Shimon said.
When a tornado hits suddenly, survival depends on knowledge and time. Storm spotters alert the National Weather Service, which, in turn, gives families more advanced notice to take cover.
But families cannot rely on spotters alone. They need to follow up with a solid plan of their own.
