Weather Preparedness

Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes

Peak season: March–September

Watch vs. Warning:

• Severe Thunderstorm/Tornado Watch – Conditions are favorable; stay alert.
• Severe Thunderstorm/Tornado Warning – A storm or tornado is occurring; take cover immediately.

How to Prepare:

• Identify a safe shelter such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
• Secure outdoor items like patio furniture and grills to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
• Have an emergency kit ready, including flashlights, batteries, water, and first aid supplies.
• Familiarize yourself with local tornado sirens, tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 AM.

If a tornado is approaching:

• Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building.
• Avoid staying in vehicles or mobile homes—move to a permanent structure.
• If outside with no shelter, lie flat in a low-lying area and cover your head.

Snow & Ice Storms

Peak season: November–March

How to Prepare:

• Stock up on supplies, including non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, and flashlights in case of power outages.
• Winterize your home by insulating pipes, checking heating systems, and keeping rock salt or sand for icy surfaces.
• Monitor road conditions via the Illinois Department of Transportation at www.gettingaroundillinois.com(opens in a new tab).
• Prepare your vehicle with a winter emergency kit containing jumper cables, an ice scraper, a blanket, and a first-aid kit.

During extreme cold:

• Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Check on elderly neighbors and loved ones, especially if they rely on electric heating.
• Never use a stove or oven for heat due to carbon monoxide risks.

Flooding & Heavy Rain

Peak season: March–August

Flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning.

How to Prepare:

• Never drive through flooded roads—just six inches of water can stall a vehicle, and twelve inches can carry it away.
• Keep gutters and storm drains clear to prevent home flooding.
• Move valuables to higher ground if you live in a flood-prone area.
• Know your evacuation route and have an emergency bag ready in case of evacuation.

If flooding occurs:

• Move to higher ground immediately.
• Avoid contact with floodwaters, as they may be contaminated.
• Do not enter basements with standing water due to electrical hazards.

Create a Family Emergency Plan:

• Establish a safe meeting place and ensure all family members know the plan.
• Have a designated emergency contact in case local phone lines are down.

Prepare an Emergency Kit:

• Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
• Non-perishable food.
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and first aid kit.
• Necessary medications and medical supplies.
• Important documents in a waterproof container.

Stay Connected:

• Follow trusted sources like the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov and local news for updates.

Being prepared can save lives. Taking small steps now can make a significant difference when severe weather strikes.

For more information or assistance, contact:

• Manhattan Fire Protection District – (815) 478-3197

To enhance your understanding of weather preparedness in Manhattan and Peotone, Illinois, we’ve curated a selection of informative videos. These resources cover essential safety measures and offer insights into severe weather preparedness specific to our region.