CHICAGO – As the remnants of Tropical Depression Cristobal take aim for the upper Midwest late Tuesday into Wednesday—bringing a threat of high winds, heavy rainfall and severe storms—the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared now.
“We’re not immune to tropical systems in the Midwest,” said FEMA Region V Administrator James K Joseph. “Now is the time to make sure your family knows what to do to stay safe in severe weather, and verify you’ve taken the steps to prepare your property for the potential impacts of high winds and heavy rainfall in the area.”
- Follow the direction of local and state officials and make sure to sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, become familiar with the warning tone.
- Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study and play. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings and be ready to take shelter immediately, if necessary.
- Secure your property. Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures, loose roofing materials and objects in yards, patios, roofs or balconies that could blow away.
- Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.
Find even more valuable tips to help you prepare for severe weather at Ready.gov, and download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device.
FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during and after disasters.
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