When you hear sirens at 10 a.m. Tuesday (March 6, 2018), start thinking about what action you’d take in the case of severe weather.

The National Weather Service will be conducting its annual statewide tornado warning test Tuesday as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Click the links below for more information.

As in past years, the test message will be broadcast over the NOAA Weather Radio system as many of the commercial radio and TV stations will also participate by relaying the Tornado Warning TEST message via their stations, said Don Bryant, director of Kane County’s Office of Emergency Management.

“Please take this opportunity to review your building’s severe weather procedures with your staff and make sure they know what actions to take should a tornado threaten your facility,” he said.

Severe Weather Preparedness Week

• Monday: Statewide Tornado Drill Heads-Up
• Tuesday: Tornadoes
• Wednesday: Lightning
• Thursday: Flash Floods
• Friday: Severe Thunderstorms
• Saturday: Receiving Warning Information

Severe Thunderstorm Safety

Severe thunderstorms are officially defined as storms that are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs and vehicles.

Wind this strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees. Some severe thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, so the National Weather Service pay attention to the weather so you know when severe storms are possible.

Thunderstorms also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning; heavy rain can cause flash flooding. These hazards covered in more detail under the tornado, lightning safety and flood safety websites.

If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of severe weather, please share your story so the NWS can prevent others from becoming a victim. When you write, please note that NWS has permission to use your story and, if possible, let them know the town and state you were in and the year the event took place.

Prepare! Don’t let Tornadoes Take You by Surprise

The links below will help you find out what you can do now to prepare for a tornado. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.

• Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
• Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
• Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Check more ideas for your family plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
• Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
• Prepare Your Home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
• Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.
• Download Thunderstorms, Lightning, Tornadoes for more science and safety tips.