Spring’s First Widespread Severe Storm System is Here: Are You Ready?

CHICAGO – With an ominous mid-week forecast that includes severe storms, heavy rains, strong winds and the potential for tornadoes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared.

“Severe weather can strike with little or no warning. The threat of severe weather requires everyone to get prepared now,” FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. “Knowing what to do before the storm will help keep you and your family safe.”

Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. If a warning is issued, get indoors, and move to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.

Find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe winter weather at http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather and or download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device. Visit the site or download the app today so you have the information you need to prepare for severe winter weather.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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