SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Officials with the Illinois State Fair are outlining weather safety plans before events start later this week.
Fair manager Patrick Buchen says staff will coordinate with the National Weather Service and Illinois State Police to provide weather updates. In the case of severe weather approaching the area, fair officials will notify visitors through the public address system and advise them to seek shelter inside more than 170 buildings on the fairgrounds.
Fair officials have also designated cooling stations, including the Illinois Fire Museum and Emmerson Building. A local chapter of the American Red Cross will be staffing a first aid tent.
The fair kicks off Thursday with a parade and ends Aug. 23.
