Severe Weather Awareness

April 10, 2015

Severe weather season is upon us!

Cities and high-rises are not immune to the conditions we see and hear about on the news. Tornados can and have hit they city in the past. What should you do or NOT do if you hear warning sirens living in a high-rise condominium??

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 using 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 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
Flashlights; technology has greatly improved with options for flashlights that need no batteries. LED lamps and kinetic energy where you squeeze, shake, or crank the flashlight to get it going. Just google “No battery flashlight.” (Thanks to Unit Owner Vince DiFruscio for this suggestion)
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“.