WILL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

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1 WILL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 302 North Chicago Street Joliet, Illinois NEWS RELEASE Harold R. Damron, CEM Director SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 HAROLD R. DAMRON, DIRECTOR JOLIET, IL Severe Weather Preparedness Week is being observed in Illinois March 3-9, Each year, individuals are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes and other types of severe weather, including dangerous lightning and flash flooding, despite advance warning. In 2012, there were more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2,600 injuries, across the country. Severe weather knows no boundaries and affects every individual. Severe weather spotter courses have been scheduled throughout the area. The 2 hour basic level course in recognizing severe weather also includes procedures for reporting severe weather to the appropriate agencies. Classes have been scheduled for Saturday, March 2 nd at Lockport East High School Auditorium beginning at 2:00 pm. Doors will open at 1:00 pm for a safety fair. A second class is scheduled for Thursday, March 7 th beginning at 7:00 pm at Minooka Intermediate School. Doors will open at 6:00 pm for a safety fair. Both classes will be instructed by Meteorologists from the National Weather Service. Those interested in attending either course are encouraged to register by calling to reserve space. There is no cost to attend these classes. In addition to the severe weather spotter courses, preparedness workshops are also being offered. This includes the New Lenox Severe Weather Preparedness Workshop and Safety Fair on March 5 th at Lincoln-Way West High School Performing Arts Center beginning with a safety fair at 5:00 pm and the workshop beginning at 7:00 pm. The City of Joliet will be conducting two Health, Safety, and Preparedness Fairs on March 9 th at Plainfield South High School and March 16 th at Joliet West High School; enter through the main entrances at both locations. Hours for both Joliet events are 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. All of these events are free and open to the public. No registration is needed. Individuals and families can become better prepared for emergencies by learning about severe weather, becoming familiar with various warning systems, and identifying safe areas to take shelter at home, work, and school. For more information visit the Will County Emergency Management Agency website at or call our office at ### Administration: (815) ~ Facsimile: (815)

2 SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK Sunday, March 3 rd through Saturday, March 9 th Statewide Tornado Drill Tuesday, March 5 th at 10:00 a.m. in conjunction with the monthly siren test

3 2013 BASIC SEVERE WEATHER SPOTTER CLASSES in Will County March 2, 2013 Safety Fair 1:00pm to 2:00pm Training 2:00pm to 4:00pm Lockport East High School Auditorium 1333 East 7th Street, Lockport, IL Registration: March 7, 2013 Safety Fair 6:00pm to 7:00pm Training 7:00pm to 9:00pm Minooka Intermediate School Main Entrance 321 McEvilly Road, Minooka, IL Registration: FOR MORE CLASSES VISIT THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WEBSITE AT: Severe Weather Preparedness Class March 5, 2013 Safety Fair 5:00pm to 7:00pm Training 7:00pm to 8:30pm Lincolnway West High School Performing Arts Center S Gougar Road, New Lenox, IL This is NOT a SPOTTER CLASS

4 2013 SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP / HEALTH AND SAFETY EXPO TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013 LINCOLN-WAY WEST HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (West Side of Campus) South Gougar Road, New Lenox, Illinois Health & Safety Expo~5:00pm-7:00pm Severe Weather Preparedness Workshop 7:00-8:30pm HEALTH & SAFETY EXPO ~ PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS Severe Weather Preparedness Workshop Are You Ready for a Severe Weather Disaster? Thunderstorms pose a number of life-threatening hazards, including lightning, hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes. Preparedness is the key to surviving a weather disaster. Learn the facts and myths about the severe weather hazards that impact our area. Learn how to monitor the weather, how to receive and understand watches and warnings, and how to protect yourself, your family and co-workers from tornadoes and other storm hazards. This program is appropriate for all ages (middle school and up). Health and Safety Expo Visit approximately 45 organizations that will be providing information related to health, safety, fitness, preparedness and emergency response. Pick-up literature, giveaways and speak to the experts to find out what s new. For an updated listing of participating organizations and activities, visit For questions or additional information, please contact Public Safety Division Chief Daniel Martin at the New Lenox Police Department (815) or via dmartin@newlenox.net.

5 City of Joliet 2013 Health/Safety/Preparedness Fair Saturday March 9 th Plainfield South High School Saturday March 16 th Joliet West High School Participants 9am-1pm Enter through Main Entrances Joliet Police Department Joliet Fire Department Joliet Communications Center Joliet Emergency Management American Red Cross Will County Emergency Management Will County Health Department JULIE 1 Call Presence Health Walgreens IEMA Comed Joliet Park District Enbridge Pipeline Aux Sable Liquid Products Kendall County EMA Severe Weather Session : How to monitor severe weather, receive the latest information on watches and warnings. How to protect yourself from severe weather hazards. Health/Safety: Receive information on current preparedness and emergency response issues. Have a chance to win a door prize.