As we know to well, severe weather season is still with us! Mid-day on Monday, with minutes notice we went from sunny skies to a deluge and micro-burst with near 80 mile per hour winds. Cities and high-rises are not immune to the conditions we see and hear about on the news. As a reminder, here are some pretty typical dos and don’ts for when turbulent weather is expected.

·  FIRST AND ALWAYS – if you are not home, especially this time of the year when the weather can turn on a dime and without warning, LEAVE YOUR WINDOW CLOSED. Damaging leaks and flooding have occurred in units around and below those where windows are left open and rain comes into the building.

·  When severe weather is anticipated, stay tuned to local broadcast stations or The Weather Channel, for regular updates. Stay aware of current conditions.

·  When storms move in, remain calm – but act quickly and with purpose!

·  Avoid WINDOWS – never open or go to a window.

·  When the National Weather Service issues a “severe thunderstorm warning” or “tornado warning” for Cook County or Chicago, it is safest in an interior room (bathroom) in your unit.  Crouch facedown and cover your head with your arms, or you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (bath towels, blankets, etc.) to protect against falling debris.

·  For tornados or very severe wind conditions, if you have time make your way to the nearest stairwell in your hallway and wait for the weather to pass.

·  We recommend against use an elevator during severe weather.  Power can fail and cause entrapment.  Wait for the weather to pass or use the stairs.

·  On the 1st floor, never go to the lobby. Severe winds can cause dangerous flying debris and shatter windows and glass. Proceed to the nearest stairwell and move slowly and safely without panic to 1P or 2P.

·  For more tips, visit the web at http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety

All residents should consider maintaining a survival kit in case of emergency.  Here are some helpful tips on what you should include in a survival kit:

·  First aid kit that includes, bandages, eyewash, iodine. You can usually find kits at Target, Sam’s Club, Costco, Walmart or any other chain stores.

·  AM/FM Radio with back-up batteries

·  Flashlight with back-up batteries or 12-hour light sticks, preferably green

·  Whistle

·  Bottled water and canned foods (check the expirations each Spring)

·  Work gloves

·  Pocket tools

·  Duct tape

You can get a complete list of survival kits or emergency preparedness by going to the computer and doing a “GOOGLE SEARCH” for “Severe Weather Preparedness”.

PLEASE REMEMBER:  In any emergency situation, Do Not Panic BUT Act and Move Quickly!