National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Did you know 2011 holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather related disasters in U.S. history? The deadly outbreak of tornadoes that claimed hundreds of lives in the southeast U.S. was just one of them. As the year anniversary of that tragedy approaches, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) are launching the first ever National Severe Weather Preparedness Week from April 22-28. We are coming into the heart of severe weather season in Central Illinois, so now is the time to be prepared.

Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe:

• Follow the forecast daily, to know when severe or hazardous weather are possible be in your area.
• Purchase a NOAA Weather radio and sign up for WMBD Severe Weather Text Alerts. These will alert you when severe weather is an immediate threat in your area. Don't rely on outdoor warning sirens. They are often unreliable and inaudible indoors.
• Have a safety plan in place. Remember, during a severe thunderstorm or tornado, the safest place is on the lowest level in the most interior room.
• Have a safety kit prepared. Include non-perishable food items, bottled water, first aid, flash light, and other supplies. Basically, anything you would need to survive on for at least 3 days.
• "Be a Force of Nature"- Talk to others about having safety plans, especially in businesses or public places. Also, once you are in a safe place, alert family and friends that they should also take cover using social media and cell phones.

This applies to other hazards as well. Know what to do in case of flooding, winter storms, extreme heat/cold, etc. For more information, check out www.ready.gov/severeweather.