Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is a good time to go over the plans you have made to ensure the safety of your family when severe weather strikes.  A Statewide Tornado Drill is planned for Thursday, April 16th.

Siren Testing

The Village warning siren system is tested at 1:00 p.m. the first Friday of each month from April to November, weather conditions permitting.  These tests are conducted monthly to ensure that the system is functioning properly and ready to go when needed. 

Disaster  Myths -  The biggest obstacles to family emergency readiness education are the misconceptions surrounding the true nature of preparedness. So to set the stage for better family emergency preparation we will look at some myths that hang around.

1. If something happens all I have to do is call 911.  True, but help can only go so far or be there so quickly.  Should a major disaster (tornado, blizzard, etc.) occur in the Village there may be many calls for help.  This isn't to say that families shouldn't call for help when it's truly needed - it's to remind them that they might be on their own for a while, especially if the situation is wide spread or severe.  The responsibility for your family's safety starts at home.
2. All I need is a 72-hour kit with a flashlight, first aid kit, some food and water, and a radio.  A more practical goal is to be self-sufficient for a minimum of two weeks.  Why two weeks?  Dependent on the scenario, the disruption of local services could last several weeks.  Avoid the one-size fits all lists and customize yours to your family's unique threats, needs, and assets.