Village of Westmont
Date Issued: March 14, 2013
Community safety is a high priority in Westmont. Being prepared and knowing how to respond to emergency situations can be a matter of life or death. The Westmont Fire Department will host a Severe Weather Training Seminar on Monday, April 8, 7 p.m, at the Westmont Fire Department Headquarters, 6015 S. Cass Avenue. Residents are invited to attend and learn more about identifying severe weather and how to respond. Additionally, the Westmont Fire Department has prepared the following information regarding tornado and severe thunderstorm safety.
TORNADO / SEVERE THUNDERSTORM SAFETY
In 2012, there were more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2,600 injuries. Each year, citizens are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes and other types of severe weather, despite advance warning. Severe weather knows no boundaries and affects everyone.
The chances of being affected by a tornado may seem small, but if you are in a threatened area, you must act quickly! Use the information below to know what to do during a tornado or severe thunderstorm.
The Westmont Fire Department encourages you to know the terms used to describe tornado / severe thunderstorm threats:
* Tornado / Severe Thunderstorm WATCH:
This means tornadoes / severe thunderstorms are possible near your area. Be prepared to take shelter.
* Tornado / Severe Thunderstorm WARNING:
This means a tornado has been sighted by someone or indicated by weather radar. In the case of severe thunderstorms it means storms will be approaching or are occurring. Tornados and severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and / or hail measuring one inch in diameter or larger. Seek safe shelter immediately.
TORNADO SAFETY:
Take the following actions when a Tornado Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, when sirens have been activated or when a tornado has been sighted near your area:
* Go immediately to your predetermined shelter such as a storm cellar, basement or the lowest level of the building. In a basement, go under the stairs, under a heavy piece of furniture or workbench. Stay there until the danger has passed.
* If there is no basement, go to an interior hallway or a small interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Stay away from outside windows and walls as they may be penetrated by high speed wind-borne debris. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table, and hold onto it. Use pillows, mattresses or cushions to protect your head and neck.
SEVERE THUNDER STORM SAFETY
* If outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. If you find yourself in a position where there is no immediate shelter available, find a low spot away from trees and power poles.
* Stay away from all windows and doors during the storm. If you can it safely, draw the window shades or blinds to reduce the risk from flying glass shattered by high winds. Monitor the radio, television or Internet for the latest weather information.
The Westmont Fire Department is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and you play an important role. By taking a few steps now you can be better prepared and assist in saving lives.”
Please contact the Westmont Fire Department at 630-981-6400 with any questions. Additional information on the different types of severe weather such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding can also be found at www.ready.gov/severe-weather.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Media Relations Coordinator
630-417-0280, lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
