Will County, IL – In a proactive move to bolster community safety, Chicago carried out a tornado preparedness drill on Wednesday. This comes after a spate of severe weather hit Northern Illinois, unleashing 11 tornadoes on February 27th. The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois initiated the drill as part of the Illinois Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
According to the US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois, the drill, which occurred at 11:00 AM CST on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, is a vital part of the local strategy to enhance public response during tornadoes. The recent tumultuous weather underscored the critical need for such drills. Residents were urged to take the drill seriously, as the practice and knowledge gained here are key to ensuring personal safety and minimizing injuries during actual tornadoes.
For those at home during a tornado warning, the NWS advises seeking shelter in the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, far from windows. If caught driving, it’s crucial not to attempt outrunning the tornado. Instead, drivers should find a sturdy building for shelter or, as a last resort, park and cover their head with their hands while ducking below the windows to protect from debris.