Tornado Safety

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No time of year is free from tornadoes, but in Illinois they are most likely to occur during the months of April, May and June. Since 1950, all counties in Illinois have experienced tornadoes. Illinois has averaged 31 tornadoes per year since 1950, but in 1974 there were 107 sighted! 50% of all tornadoes occur between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., but they can strike at any time of the day or night. They are most likely to happen in the late afternoon on hot, spring days. Knowing the basics of tornado safety can help you survive.

Learn These Tornado Danger Signs:
(SOURCE: FEMA: Tornadoes - Before a Tornado: How to Plan)
An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

The difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning:
A Tornado Watch simply means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Be alert for changing weather, and stay tuned to radio or television reports and account for family members. If you have any indication that a tornado may be approaching, take cover immediately. Do not wait for a Tornado Warning to be issued.
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted. If a Tornado Warning has been issued for your area: Seek shelter immediately!
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE IS BELOW GROUND!

Where to take shelter after a Tornado Warning has been issued:
Single Family Homes: The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement under something sturdy, like a workbench. If there is no basement, seek shelter in the middle of the building on the lowest level, in a small interior room like a closet or bathroom away from outside walls and windows.
In an Automobile: If you see a funnel cloud or hear a Tornado Warning issued for your area on the radio or by siren, do not try to outrun the tornado. The path and speed of a tornado is unpredictable. Get out of your vehicle and seek a safe structure, or lie down in a low area (a ditch or ravine) with your hands covering the back of your head and neck.
At Work or School: Be aware of emergency shelter plans in office buildings and schools you and your family frequent. If a specific shelter area does not exist, move into interior hallways or small rooms on the building's lowest level. Avoid areas with glass.
At a Store or Shopping Mall: If you cannot get into a basement or designated shelter, move to the center of the lowest level of the building, away from windows, and lie flat.

Develop an emergency communication plan:
(SOURCE: FEMA: Tornadoes - Before a Tornado: How to Plan)
In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Have disaster supplies on hand:
Flashlight and extra batteries
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food and water
Non-electric can opener
Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
Sturdy shoes

Don't wait until an emergency siren sounds to start grabbing supplies and thinking about what you should do.

Lightning Safety/Lightning Warning System

The Village of North Riverside is pleased to announce the installation of the Thor-Guard lightning warning system. Lightning is a severe hazard and must be taken seriously!

The warning system consists of horns and yellow strobe lights.


There are 6 locations where the signaling devices are located:

• Veteran's Park - 26th & Veteran's Drive
• Commons Park on The Police Station
• The Tot Spot - 24th & 14th Avenue
• Scottish Home - 28th & Desplaines
• Komarek School - 24th & 13th Avenue
• Mater Christi School - 24th & 10th Avenue

If you are outdoors when the system signals a lightning condition you should immediately seek shelter in major buildings or vehicles.

People outdoors should stop and seek shelter any time they believe lightning threatens them, even if the signal has not been sounded!

If you hear the warning signal, we ask that you DO NOT call 911 unless you are reporting an emergency.

THREE SHORT HORN BLASTS SIGNAL IT IS SAFE TO RETURN TO THE AREA.