CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) —  The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) is urging residents to prepare for severe weather as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 4-8, 2024.

Illinois had the most tornadoes of any U.S. state last year with 121. These storms resulted in four fatalities, and 54 injuries and caused millions of dollars in property damage.

While people cannot stop severe thunderstorms, lightning, or tornadoes from happening, there are steps that everyone can take to minimize the impacts of severe weather on our lives and our families.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the following precautions can be taken to prepare for severe weather:

1. STAY INFORMED. Monitor a weather alert radio, local radio and TV broadcasts, websites, or
weather apps on computers and smartphones. DON’T just rely on one method – especially
storm sirens – which are NOT designed to be heard indoors by everyone. Have multiple ways to
receive information.

2. HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN. A plan is essential to keeping yourself and those around you safe.
Designate places to go to seek safe shelter from a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Pick two
places to meet in case you are separated from your family or co-workers. While traveling or
when away from home, know the names of the locations you are visiting – especially county and
city names.

3. HAVE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT. Some storms have the power to cause power outages that
can last for several days. Having an emergency supply kit on-hand will help you cope with the
outage while crews work to restore services. A basic emergency supply kit includes:
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Extra clothing and blankets
• An extra set of keys and cash
• Medications and a first aid kit
• Personal hygiene items
• Pet supplies
• A weather alert radio or portable AM/FM radio

4. PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR AN EMERGENCY. Spend time before an emergency to ensure that
you and your home are ready to withstand a storm. This preparation looks like:
• Training. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to administer CPR, and how to turn off the
electricity, gas, and water supplies in your home.
• Inspection. Inspect your home for potential hazards such as weakened trees or limbs, cracked
windows, or worn roofing.
• Storm proofing. When you build a new structure or renovate an existing one, there are ways to
prevent wind damage to roofs, upper floors, and garages. Consider reinforcement of structural
elements, such as rafters, trusses, walls, and doors