Before Too Long, Severe weather season will be upon us!

Despite this weeks cold and snow, the turbulent and pendulum-like day to day changes we have experienced, as well as the very early season severe weather just a couple weeks ago, serve to underscore the time of year we are approaching.

Cities and high-rises are not immune to the conditions we see and hear about on the news. Tornadoes can and have hit they city in the past. And we are never immune to violent winds, damaging hail and dangerous lightning. What should you do or NOT do if severe weather is approaching or 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, read NOAA’s Severe Weather 101 Online.

Want to be prepared like a champ? 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“.

In the event very severe weather is impacting safety here at the building, we will do our best to communicate any alerts or information Park Tower residents and owners may need to be aware. If you are not already on our e-mail list, we encourage you to join by sending a request via e-mail to the office.

Also, in very urgent emergencies or situations we will communicate via our PTCA Text Notification Service. For alerts regarding fires, floods, active shooters, power outages and other emergencies, when possible, you can received messages via text. To subscribe, text “PTCAalerts” to 94253.

PLEASE REMEMBER: In any emergency  Do Not Panic  BUT Move quickly and with purpose!