Fire dept. recaps emergency procedures
LOMBARD, Illinois— In the wake of the storms that blew through the Lombard area Tuesday evening, unleashing heavy rain and fierce winds, concerns and questions were raised by area residents about the weather warnings and the suggested actions residents can take for safety.
The Lombard outdoor weather warning sirens are activated when the National Weather Service determines that there is a high potential for severe weather or when trained spotters confirm the sighting of a tornado near our area. The sirens are also activated at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month in order to test them. There are no siren activations that indicate an “all clear” condition. When the siren goes off, except for the tests, it is a signal to anyone outside to seek shelter and take cover, according to Chuck Riforgiate, Lombard Fire Marshal.
Radio and television are the mechanisms in place to warn the public of approaching or possible severe weather situations. It is equally important to monitor radio and television during these events for the latest weather information and important messages indicating an “All Clear”.
Two Illinois websites are available to provide additional information sources of weather and weather safety information.
They are:
• www.iema.illinois.gov/index.asp
• www.stormready.noaa.gov/links.htm
The National Weather Service suggests taking the following actions when a tornado or severe weather warning has been issued:
• Go immediately to your predetermined shelter (basement or the lowest level of the building.)
• If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
• Use pillows, mattresses or cushions to protect your head and neck.
• Keep in mind that winds from a severe thunder storm can cause significant property damage, injury or even death.
• Avoid using a corded telephone or other electrical appliances until the storm passes.
• Monitor the radio for the latest weather information.
The following checklist is recommended from the Lombard Fire Marshal to be prepared for emergency situations:
• Flashlight and batteries
• Portable, battery operated radio, with extra batteries
• Ready-to-eat canned foods, manual can opener
• First-aid kit
• Important personal & family documents
• Three-day supply of water
• Prescription medication
• Bedding
• Change of clothes, sturdy shoes
• Pet care items
As a result of the storms, public safety communications centers were inundated with emergency 9-1-1 calls before, during and after the storm, according to Riforgiate. Additionally, due to many power and telephone lines being downed by the storm, some residents experienced power outages and difficulties or delays reporting emergencies and getting information.
Residents are urged to watch for the Village's new emergency system “CodeRED” which will be coming soon. This system is a public notification system that is intended to provide residents with various types of information, primarily emergency notifications. Preliminary information about CodeRED can be obtained at the Lombard Fire Department first-aid tent at the Taste of Lombard, June 30-July 4.