OTTAWA - While March is nationally recognized as Severe Weather Preparedness month, Illinois recognizes March 1-7 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
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OTTAWA - While March is nationally recognized as Severe Weather Preparedness month, Illinois recognizes March 1-7 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Although there are many types of severe weather, this week and month focuses on severe thunderstorms that can produce heavy rain, flash flooding, high winds and possibly tornadoes.
Knowing the difference between weather watches and warnings is important for the personal decision-making process. The National Weather Service defines “weather watches” as weather conditions being favorable for the development of severe weather, while “weather warnings” are defined as severe weather that is imminent or currently happening; people should take action immediately if located within the warning area.
How someone receives emergency notifications is vital to their personal survival. “There are many methods available to receive emergency notifications, but your life may depend upon making sure you’re signed up for one,” says Connie Brooks, director of LaSalle County Emergency Management. “Relying on outdoor warning sirens when you’re indoors in an enclosed building is not as effective as those sirens are meant for individuals outside”.
A NOAA weather radio is able to wake people up at night, if necessary. Today’s weather radios are much easier to program alphabetically by state and county and are available at most retail stores for $25-35. Weather apps on smartphones are another way of receiving emergency notifications; some are free and some require a paid subscription. People may also ask if their local jurisdiction offers an emergency reverse notification system and if so, they may sign up for it to receive weather notifications.
It is important to have a plan in place along with up-to-date emergency contact information and an emergency kit with current supplies that includes pets and anyone with special needs. This will allow people to act when they receive the warning to do so.
For more information, visit www.lasallecountyema.org under the Resources tab or www.ready.illinois.gov.
