Severe Spring Weather: General Preparedness
March, April and May are peak months for Midwestern storm activity. Inclement weather can bring a number of weather hazards, including tornadoes, flash floods/floods and severe thunderstorms.
The Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter urges residents to ready their homes and businesses for severe spring weather.
Ready a spring disaster supply kit
The following should fit into grab-and-go duffel bags for each family member:
- Bandages and essential medications
- Canned food and a can opener
- At least 3 gallons of water per person
- A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
- Protective clothing, rainwear and sleeping bags
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
Get organized
- Prepare written instructions for how to turn off your home’s electricity, gas and water in the event of an emergency.
- Consider keeping insurance policies and other valuable documents in a safe-deposit box.
- Check whether your home insurance policy covers flooding.
- Also, remember to identify a safe place to stay if told to evacuate. If a large need is identified, your local Red Cross chapter may set up shelter operations.
In Peoria, call (309) 677-7272 in Peoria. In Champaign and Danville, call (217) 351-5861.
Prepare your business
- Have a disaster supply kit on hand, including a weather radio.
- Make a continuity of operations plan in the event of an emergency
- Keep phone lists of key workers and customers with you, and provide lists to workers.
- Back up computer data frequently and keep a backup tape off-site.
- Use UL-listed surge protectors and battery backup systems.
More Information
For information on flood preparedness, please click here.
For thunderstorm safety tips, please click here.
For tornado safety tips, please click here.
For information on how to have a safer spring break, please click here.
For information on what to do in a power outage, please click here.
To find out what you should have in your home diaster kit, please click here.