If you were flustered when tornado sirens blared Sunday night, now is the time to start planning for the next weather event so you’re better prepared. Experts warn that waiting for dangerous weather to start planning how to safely ride out a storm or tornado may be too late.
Here’s what you should know to get started:
1. A tornado watch verses a tornado warning
Illinois ranks fourth in the nation for the most tornadoes per square mile, averaging 53 tornadoes per year, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Most of Illinois’ tornadoes occur in spring, between April 1 and June 30. However, tornadoes can — and have — happened in every month of the year, according to a report from the state emergency agency.
The state uses three terms to describe tornado threats: tornado watch, warning and emergency.
A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible, but not confirmed, in a given area. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and National Weather Service recommend preparing to take shelter during this threat level.
A tornado warning means rotating, funnel-shaped clouds have been sighted or picked up on radar. Damaging winds and hail may accompany the storm. The Emergency Outdoor Warning Siren System will blare during a tornado warning and most cellphones should automatically receive weather alerts, according to IEMA.
Finally, a tornado emergency is issued if there is a confirmed violent tornado, which threatens human life and catastrophic damage.
2. Taking shelter
In 2020, 76 people were killed by tornadoes and hundreds were injured nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About half of those killed were in a mobile home during the tornado. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes must be taken seriously, experts say, and that often means taking shelter.
“Tornados and other disrupting events can happen in Chicago and we all should have plans and know what to do to lessen the impact,” said Rich Guidice, executive director of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, in a statement.
Experts recommend going to a shelter’s lowest floor, like a basement, a bathroom, a closet or center hallway. It is imperative to avoid sheltering in a room with windows, as they can easily be blown out by high winds, according to the CDC. It is not recommended to take shelter in a mobile home or car. Outside, avoid bridges or highway overpasses.
In high-risk, tornado-prone areas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests building a FEMA-approved “safe room.” Regardless, Ready.Gov — a national public safety campaign — advises shutting and sealing all windows, doors, air vents and fireplaces, and sheltering under sturdy furniture.
Put on shoes and helmets while sheltering in place to prevent injuries from debris.
3. What to put in an emergency preparedness kit
Top emergency management and weather agencies recommended households keep the following in a prepackaged emergency preparedness kit, applicable to all human-made or natural disasters:
Nonperishable water and food for several days.
Flashlight with extra batteries.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive weather alerts.
Phone and phone chargers.
First aid kit, essential prescription medications and hygiene products.
Cash.
Change of clothing.
Sleeping bag or blankets.
Important documents like insurance policies, identification, etc.
These items can be tailored to households’ unique needs, accounting for infants, pets or elderly family members.
4. Developing a household communication plan
FEMA advises households develop a communication plan before a major weather event. The National Weather Service recommends conducting severe thunderstorm drills.
“While there was a fairly fast-moving tornado in the densely populated southwest Chicago suburbs and after dark, the number of serious injuries was relatively small,” the weather service’s Chicago-area office said in a statement. “This, at least in part, had to do with preparedness and people taking action when the warnings were issued. It is a reminder too on the importance of having multiple means to receive a warning.”
A free household emergency plan template from Ready.Gov can be found here.
5. How long to wait out after the storm and what to do after
The Emergency Outdoor Warning Siren System — which is activated on a city and county level, according to Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications — may stop blaring even if a threat is still present. Therefore, people should continue to shelter in place while monitoring weather alerts. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible during severe weather events, according to the National Weather Service.
After the threat is lifted, the Chicago emergency management office advises that people check their immediate environment and report fallen trees, flooded streets and damaged public utilities like power lines. Wear protective clothing — long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes — while evaluating property damage.
Emergency personnel should also be notified of injuries, the weather service said.
