LINCOLN, Ill. – The impending arrival of spring also means severe weather threats are not too far behind.
With the impending threats throughout the next few months, the National Weather Service has declared this week Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
Ed Shimon is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the NWS Lincoln Office. He says the week serves as a reminder to be ready when bad weather strikes.
“Fear comes from the unknown, and if you feel prepared and you know that you’re going to do the best you can to protect yourself, that’s all you can ask,” Shimon said.
Shimon says one of the most important things that can be done for preparedness is designating a safe location in your house, then practicing how to get there in a timely manner. He adds people should have an emergency kit, in case the worst happens. The National Weather Service says those kits should include bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, a portable radio, and pet supplies.
Shimon says another important part of preparedness is being aware of when potential severe weather would arrive. He says having a weather radio is a major part of that.
“That’s your own personal weather alarm system,” Shimon said. “When we issue products, those weather radios are going to go off within seconds of us actually alerting in that particular location.”
Shimon says other ways to be weather aware include visiting the National Weather Service website, local radio and TV broadcasts, and smart apps on your phone.
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