City Reminds Chicago Residents to Prepare for Tornado Season

The arrival of spring weather means every Chicagoan should prepare for the dangers of severe weather events such as heavy rainstorms, flooding and tornados.  Today, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), are teaming up to teach children and residents about what to do before, during and after a tornado event.

“Tornados are one of nature’s most destructive weather events, capable of destroying entire areas in a brief period of time,” said José A. Santiago, Executive Director, Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. “Now is the time - before tornado season officially begins – for Chicago residents to take the proper precautions to protect themselves against a tornado touch down.”

The OEMC officials presented critical information to students at the LaSalle Elementary Language Academy at 1734 North Orleans Street.  Following the classroom presentation, the school held a tornado drill.

Chicago residents need to be aware that tornados can strike large urban areas.  “Contrary to popular belief, tornados can touch down in a city like Chicago,” said Santiago.  “In recent years, tornados have struck cities like Miami and Houston.” Locally, a deadly tornado struck the south side of Chicago in April 1967, killing 24 people and injuring nearly 500 others.

Whether at home, school, work or traveling through the City, Chicago residents can take a number of actions to prepare for a tornado or severe weather event, such as:

• Make a family emergency plan so everyone knows what to do and where to go if a tornado strikes.
• Have an emergency kit at home and in your car in case you have to evacuate in a hurry.  The kit should contain items such as, emergency food and bottled water, a radio, flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit.
• Monitor news reports about severe weather and know the warning signs that can signal the arrival of a tornado.
• Know the difference between a tornado watch and warning:
  • A Tornado Watch means the conditions exist that may produce a tornado.
  • A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar.
• The City may activate the Emergency Warning System in an emergency, so residents should listen for them and know what the sirens mean:

• When activated, the sirens emit a loud wailing noise that goes up and down for three (3) minutes. Seek shelter inside immediately if you are outside and hear the siren.
  • When the threat has passed, the siren will emit a steady wailing signal for three (3) minutes.
  • Go inside immediately if you spot a tornado or a funnel cloud.  Do not stay in a vehicle and stay away from windows or debris that can strike you.
• Learn the Protection Position.  Climb under a sturdy piece of furniture, if available, crouch down on your knees, bend forward and protect the back of your head and neck with your arms.
• After a tornado hits, assess damage to your immediate surroundings and check on neighbors and the elderly.

A comprehensive list of tornado preparedness tips is available in several languages at www.AlertChicago.com

“We want Chicago residents of every age to ‘Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Be Informed’ about the dangers of spring severe weather,” commented Santiago.  “If you follow these simple steps, you will be as prepared as possible no matter where a tornado strikes.”