It's Time to Prepare for Severe Weather
Why is March Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois?
March is designated as Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois because it marks the transition from winter to spring—a time when severe weather threats begin to rise. During this period, severe weather activity ramps up, peaking in April, May, and June. This includes an increased risk of tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and flooding as temperatures climb.
March is especially significant as Illinois experiences a rising frequency of tornadoes, leading some to ask is Illinois becoming part of ‘Tornado Alley”.
Learn more here: Is ‘Tornado Alley’ shifting east?
How Does Illinois Prepare?
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) use this month to promote safety measures like:
Tornado drills and siren tests
Emergency kit preparation
Family communication plans
Understanding severe weather alerts
Designating March as severe weather preparedness month helps Illinois residents prepare in advance for the potentially dangerous weather that comes with the changing seasons.
How Should You Prepare?
According to the National Weather Service, here is how to prepare:
Stay Informed
This can be done by monitoring a weather alert radio, local radio & TV broadcasts, NWS web pages, or various applications on computers and smartphones. DON’T just rely on one method—especially storm sirens—which are NOT designed to be heard indoors by everyone.
Have an Emergency Plan
Do this for your home, business, schools, and when you are traveling. Designate places to go to seek safe shelter from a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Pick two places to meet in case you are separated from your family or co-workers. While traveling or when away from home, know the names of the locations you are visiting—especially county and city names.
Prepare Yourself & Your Home for an Emergency
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to administer CPR, and how to turn off the electricity, gas, and water supplies in your home. Inspect your home for potential hazards such as weakened trees or limbs, cracked windows, or worn roofing. When you build a new structure—or renovate an existing one—there are ways to prevent wind damage to roofs, upper floors, and garages. Rafters, trusses, walls, and doors can all be reinforced.
Have an Emergency Supply Kit
Some storms produce power outages that will last for several days. Having the following items will help you cope with the disaster:
Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Flashlights & extra batteries
Extra clothing & blankets
An extra set of keys & cash
Medications & a first aid kit
Personal hygiene items
Pet supplies
A weather alert radio or portable AM/FM radio
Review Your Insurance Coverage – Check your insurance policy to ensure you are adequately covered for severe weather damage, including wind, hail, and flooding. Contact us to review your policy details and make any necessary updates.
Conclusion
Severe weather can strike at any time, and being prepared is the best way to stay safe. March serves as a reminder for Illinois residents to review emergency plans, strengthen homes against storms, and ensure they have the supplies needed to weather any emergency. By staying informed and proactive, individuals, businesses, and communities can reduce risks and enhance safety for all.March is recognized as Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois, signaling the shift from winter to spring—a time when severe weather threats begin to rise. During this period, severe weather activity ramps up, peaking in April, May, and June. This includes an increased risk of tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and flooding as temperatures climb.
