March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month! It’s time for a refresher on our outdoor warning sirens.

Did you know?

• Sirens are meant to alert those outdoors of dangerous weather conditions and are not meant to be the main source of weather warning for those indoors.
• There are 13 outdoor warning sirens in Hoffman Estates, which are all tested on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. for one minute.
• The sirens will sound for 3 minutes during a tornado warning, stop, and re-activate after 10 minutes if the threat is still present. 
• Sirens are not only used to indicate a tornado – they may also be used to indicate winds in excess of 70 mph and destructive hail.
• The National Weather Service does not have the capability to take over the radio airwaves in the Chicagoland area. Cellphones may be the best way of receiving severe weather notifications.

Create an emergency supply kit

Creating an emergency supply kit ahead of severe weather can ease stress during an emergency. Store the following suggested items near your severe weather shelter location for easy access.

• Flashlight & batteries
• Cell phone charger
• First aid kit
• Water
• Non-perishable food items
• Warm clothes & blankets
• Sturdy boots
• Important documents