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Severe Weather Preparedness week is the first week in March. The annual statewide tornado drill will be conducted Tuesday, March 2, at 10 a.m. in conjunction with monthly outdoor warning siren testing. All schools, businesses, and residents are encouraged to participate by going to their designated shelter areas. Shelter selection involves finding the lowest level, center room, preferably away from windows or doors. Take shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture if possible. Most Illinois tornadoes occur between April 1 and June 30. The average number of tornadoes annually in Illinois is 42. Since 30% of all tornadoes occur after dark it is critical to monitor severe weather with a weather radio. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, damaging winds, lightning, hail or heavy rain. Most lightning deaths occur under trees, near trees and in open fields. A sturdy building is the best shelter from severe thunderstorms. Flooding is the number one severe weather killer nationwide. Flash floods are the most dangerous type of flooding. Most flash flood fatalities involve people in vehicles trying to cross a flooded roadway. The following are important tools/items to include in your emergency supply kit: battery powered radio, weather radio, flashlights, bottled water, canned or sealed packaged foods, paper products, soap, cell phone with extra battery, shut-off wrench, first aid kit, medicines, baby products, extra clothing, blankets and a non-electric can opener or utility knife. It is important for residents to both understand and implement recommended actions when it comes to sever weather. Defined below are the terms used to describe both thunderstorm and tornado threats: Severe Thunderstorm WatchSevere thunderstorms are possible. Monitor television or radio and be prepared to take shelter.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Severe thunderstorms are occurring. Take shelter, turn on a battery-operated radio or television and wait for an "all clear" announcement by authorities on radio or television.
Tornado Watch Tornadoes are possible. Monitor television or radio and be prepared to take shelter. If you see any revolving funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to your local law enforcement agency. If you live in a mobile home, this is the time to move to a more substantial structure.
Tornado Warning A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter, turn on a battery-operated radio or television and wait for the "all clear" announcement by authorities on the radio or television.
When a tornado warning has been issued, take the following actions:
At home: Go at once to your predetermined shelter (basement or lowest level of the building). Stay there until the danger has passed. If you have no basement, go to an inner hallway, a closet or a bathroom. Stay away from windows, outside doors, and corners. If you live in a mobile home seek shelter elsewhere, if none is available seek shelter in a low-lying area.
At work, school, hospital, factory or shopping center: Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid cafeterias, gymnasiums, large hallways or auditoriums. Stay away from windows.
Outdoors: If possible, get into a substantial building. If that is not available, lie in a ditch, culvert, or low-lying area until the storm has passed.
In a vehicle: Never try to outrun a tornado. Tornadoes change directions very quickly. Get out of your vehicle and find a low-lying area.
For more information please contact the Knox County Emergency Management Agency at 309-345-3756, or check out the following internet web sites:
Illinois Emergency Management Agency www.state.il.us/iema National Weather Service www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx Red Cross www.redcross.org
Local weather radio transmitters are: Moline WXJ-73 162.550 MHz Peoria WXH-71 162.475 MHz
FIPS codes for digital weather radios are: Henry County 017073 Knox County 017095 Mercer County 017131 Peoria County 017143 Stark County 017175 Warren County 017187
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