Post by Editor on May 13, 2009 15:35:31 GMT -5
Red Cross urges residents to prepare for severe weather
The month of May brings the potential for severe weather in central Illinois, including wind and storms. The Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter urges residents to stay safe in severe weather by knowing what to do.
Create and practice a home tornado plan
Pick a “safe room” or uncluttered area without windows where family members and pets could seek shelter on the lowest floor possible: a basement, a center hallway, a bathroom or a closet. Putting as many walls between you and the outside provides additional protection.
Assemble an emergency preparedness kit:
· First aid supplies and essential medications
· Foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration
· A manual can opener
· Bottled water
· Flashlights
· Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
· Other emergency items for the whole family
Prepare for high winds
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs. Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.
Heed storm warnings
Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
· A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
· A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area.
When a warning is issued, go to the safe room you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building.
If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head to the nearest building for safety. If there are no buildings, lie flat in a low lying area or ditch and cover your head with your arms and hands.
For more severe weather preparedness tips, visit www.redcrossillinois.org
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The month of May brings the potential for severe weather in central Illinois, including wind and storms. The Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter urges residents to stay safe in severe weather by knowing what to do.
Create and practice a home tornado plan
Pick a “safe room” or uncluttered area without windows where family members and pets could seek shelter on the lowest floor possible: a basement, a center hallway, a bathroom or a closet. Putting as many walls between you and the outside provides additional protection.
Assemble an emergency preparedness kit:
· First aid supplies and essential medications
· Foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration
· A manual can opener
· Bottled water
· Flashlights
· Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
· Other emergency items for the whole family
Prepare for high winds
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs. Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.
Heed storm warnings
Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
· A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
· A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area.
When a warning is issued, go to the safe room you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building.
If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head to the nearest building for safety. If there are no buildings, lie flat in a low lying area or ditch and cover your head with your arms and hands.
For more severe weather preparedness tips, visit www.redcrossillinois.org
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