Champaign County EMA and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urge People to Prepare for Severe Weather
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2019
Contact
John Dwyer, Coordinator / CCEMA
(217) 384-3826 /
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Champaign County EMA and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urge People to Prepare for Severe Weather
Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois begins March 3
Champaign, IL – The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) urge everyone to prepare for severe weather. March 3-9, 2019 is Severe Weather Preparedness week in Illinois. Now is the time to prepare - before severe weather is predicted.
While there is nothing we can do to stop severe thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, or floods from developing, there are things that everyone can do to minimize the impacts of severe weather on our lives. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the following precautions can be taken to prepare for severe weather:
STAY INFORMED
This can be done by monitoring a weather alert radio, local radio and TV broadcasts, NWS web pages, or various applications on computers and smart phones. DON'T just rely on one method - especially storm sirens - which are NOT designed to be heard indoors by everyone. Have multiple ways to receive information such as:
Weather Alert Radio
Portable radio with battery backup
Wireless emergency alerts on most smart phones - cell phone apps such as FEMA, Red Cross, and Chambana Weather will send you warnings for your area but make sure to enable alerts Local TV and radio stations
HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Do this for your home, business, schools, and when you are traveling. Designate places to go to seek safe shelter from a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Pick two places to meet in case you are separated from your family or coworkers. While traveling or when away from home, know the names of the locations you are visiting - especially county and city names.
PREPARE YOURSELF & YOUR HOME FOR AN EMERGENCY
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to administer CPR, and how to turn off the electricity, gas, and water supplies in your home.
Inspect your home for potential hazards such as weakened trees or limbs, cracked windows, or worn roofing.
When you build a new structure - or renovate an existing one - there are ways to prevent wind damage to roofs, upper floors, and garages. Rafters, trusses, walls, and doors can all be reinforced.
HAVE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
Some storms produce power outages that will last for several days. Having the following items will help you cope with the disaster:
Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Flashlights and extra batteries
Extra clothing and blankets
An extra set of keys and cash
Medications and a first aid kit
Personal hygiene items
Pet supplies
A weather alert radio or portable AM/FM radio
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the NWS developed a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide which provides information about tornadoes, severe storms, lightning, and flooding along with recommended actions to take before, during, and after each of these weather events. It is available on the Ready Illinois website at http://www.Ready.Illinois.gov.
Preparedness tips and information are also available through the Ready Illinois Facebook Page and Twitter Page. For local information, go to Champaign County EMA and Twitter Page.
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