Thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, floods, and power outages are all possible during Illinois’ spring weather season. That is why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA OHS) is urging all residents to take steps to prepare during Severe Weather Preparedness Month this March. IEMA-OHS recommends that you:

• Keep all important records and documents in a secure waterproof container

• Make an inventory of possessions using lists and photos/videos

• Insure your property and personal items (many renters, homeowners, and business owners don’t realize that flood insurance isn’t automatically part of an insurance policy)

• Know how to shut off your home utilities like electricity, gas, and water

• Assemble an emergency kit and “go bag” to help your family for at least three days during extended power outages or in case of evacuation

• If power is out, make sure flashlights with fresh batteries are ready

• Have a backup cell phone charger fully charged

• Generators should only be run outside, never indoors or in enclosed spaces