Tornado Safety
Illinois averages 54 tornadoes per year. Know what to do before the sirens sound.
🌪️ When Tornado Warning Issued
- Go to basement - lowest level is safest
- No basement? Interior room, lowest floor (closet, bathroom)
- Stay away from windows - flying glass causes injuries
- Protect your head - cover with arms, pillow, mattress
- Mobile homes: LEAVE immediately - go to sturdy building
- In car: Don't try to outrun - find sturdy building or lie in ditch
⚠️ Watch vs Warning
Watch: Conditions favorable - be prepared. Warning: Tornado spotted or on radar - take shelter NOW.
Thunderstorm & Lightning
🌪️ Lightning Safety
- When thunder roars, go indoors
- Stay inside 30 minutes after last thunder
- Avoid water - don't shower or wash dishes
- Stay off corded phones
- Unplug sensitive electronics
- If caught outside: crouch low, minimize contact with ground
Flood Safety
🚨 Turn Around Don't Drown
6 inches of moving water can knock you down. 12 inches can carry away a vehicle. 2 feet will float most cars. NEVER drive through flooded roads.
🌪️ Flood Safety
- Move to higher ground if flooding begins
- Don't walk through moving water
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
- If car stalls in water, abandon it immediately
- Don't return home until authorities say safe
Winter Storm Safety
🌪️ Winter Storm Prep
- Stock food, water, medications for several days
- Have backup heating source (safely vented)
- Keep pipes from freezing - drip faucets
- Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors
- Check on elderly neighbors
- Keep car emergency kit with blankets, food, flashlight