So far, we’ve escaped a serious burst of bad weather in spring 2008. But, living in this area has taught all of us that tornadoes and floods are possible threats for other times of the year. Are you prepared? 

A 2007 survey of mothers and their children ages 6 to 11 reports six out of 10 families believe they are prepared for an emergency. According to the Home Safety Council, only three of these families have a plan for how they would find each other in an emergency. Many families do not have the supplies they would need to stay at home for a few days. Take time to prepare your family in case of a weather emergency in our community.

What is a tornado?  A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air initially containing dirt and then debris.  Tornadoes can occur anywhere and at any time, however, in our area the peak months are May through August. Tornadoes usually occur between 3 and 9 p.m. The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast and can have winds exceeding 200 mph. Generally, there is hail before a tornado and a greenish glow to the sky. Approaching tornadoes are said to sound like “freight trains.”

Tornado watch: A tornado watch means conditions are right for a tornado to develop. Plan your action and stay alert. Monitor radio and television stations. Put your car in the garage. If possible, move outside items into a safe place. Prepare to move to shelter.

Tornado warning: A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted. Take shelter. Do not call 911 unless you need assistance from police, fire or paramedics. Move quickly to a basement or interior room such as a closet or hallway. Avoid windows and exterior walls. Get under a heavy table or bench. If outside, quickly leave your vehicle and look for shelter. If there is no visible shelter, lay down in a ditch or culvert. Remain sheltered until the weather clears. There will be no “all clear” siren.

Best areas to be inside: Basements, interior rooms, bathrooms, hallways, concrete or brick areas and away from doors and windows.

Worst areas to be inside: Gymnasiums and auditoriums, hallways exposed to the direction of the tornado, large rooms and rooms with chimneys or other large obstructing structures.

Best areas to be outside: Ditch, gully, culvert or low spot in the ground.

Worst areas to be outside: In or under a vehicle, in a mobile home or in trees or a grove of trees.

What should we have in our family emergency kit?

Three gallons of water for each family member; canned food and snacks for at least three days; toilet paper; pet food and supplies for three days; flashlight and extra batteries; portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; first aid kit and manual; emergency food and water; non-electric can opener; essential medicines; cash and credit cards; sturdy shoes; set of car keys; games and books; and blanket
Keep all items together in a plastic, water-proof bin.
Be sure all family members know who the emergency contact person is for your family.

If you are separated, all family members can contact this person to report their whereabouts and any other pertinent information. Make sure children have this information if they are staying with another family. It will give parents peace of mind when they can touch base to ensure that all loved ones are safe.

Marsha Giesler is the public education officer for the Downers Grove Fire Department.