PEORIA, Ill. – Spring is around the corner, and with that is the possibility of severe weather striking central Illinois.
This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The spring season typically sees an increased threat of high winds, hail, and even tornadoes.
Peoria County Director of Emergency Preparedness Jason Marks says the number of severe weather incidents have gone down in recent years. But notes people shouldn’t keep their guards down because of that.
“Making a mindset and avoiding that complacency that it won’t happen to me. And just a simple recognition that we do live in a region of the United States where we have a risk of some severe weather, primarily thunderstorms and tornadoes,” Marks said.
Marks notes that even with the number of severe weather events going down, the ones that do strike the area have been stronger in intensity.
One way people can prepare is by having an emergency kit at the ready in case severe weather strikes, which includes a NOAA weather radio and other necessities.
“We recommend to individuals, that flashlight, a radio, and then some of those speciality types of items if you’re going to be sheltering in place for a period of time,” Marks said.
Marks says that includes items for young children that can keep them calm and occupied.
Another step is finding ways to be informed of weather conditions and getting alerts of severe weather events, in case one does need to shelter. Marks says a weather radio is still the preferred method, other methods include weather apps for your phone, social media, radio and TV.
