City reminds residents to prepare for expected inclement weather

National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the area through Wednesday

With a severe wind storm expected to begin tonight and last into Wednesday evening, the city of Naperville would like to remind residents to prepare ahead of time for this weather event.

Residents are encouraged to tune in to their local media outlet for weather updates the next two days or visit the National Weather Service website at www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning from 7 a.m. Tuesday to 7 p.m. Wednesday. A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Throughout this storm, winds are expected to sustain at 30 to 40 miles per hour, with the possibility of wind gusts to 60 miles per hour.

Below are some safety tips to prevent damage and injury in advance of this weather event:

• Be sure your property is secure. Remove overhanging branches near any structure; bring loose items indoors; and fully secure outdoor objects, such as patio furniture, garbage cans, or outdoor yard decorations that could blow away.

• Ensure windows are secure.

• Postpone outdoor activities if possible. The safest place to be during high winds is indoors. If you are caught outside during high winds, take cover next to a building or under shelter, watch for flying debris and stand clear of roadways or train tracks.

• If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down. Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path. Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes, and take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van or sport utility vehicle. If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, stop, get onto the shoulder of the road, turn on your hazard lights, make sure you are away from trees and other tall objects that could fall and wait until the wind subsides.

• In the event of a downed power line, contact City Dispatch at (630) 420-6187. Do not try to free lines or remove debris yourself.

For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.