Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid airmasses from the Gulf of Mexico have collided with the cooler, dryer air from Canada, resulting in unstable atmospheric conditions.

Although thunderstorms and tornadoes can happen anytime during the year, most occur during the warmer months. April, May, and June are the most active months for tornadoes across the US, and in Illinois, nearly 80% of all tornadoes occur during this time. Thunderstorms are commonly seen from April into the early fall; however, the most significant activity occurs from May through July.

A disaster can strike at any moment and anywhere. You could be at home or work. It could even happen while traveling or, worse yet, while on vacation. While it may seem that severe weather has become an inevitable part of our lives, taking steps to help alleviate some of its stress will benefit you and your loved ones.

Being prepared for a disaster is vital to navigating many of the challenges faced during a natural disaster. Talking with friends and family members about what to do in an emergency and why disaster preparedness is essential will help you and others be less likely to become stressed during an already stressful situation. Developing an emergency plan, assembling a disaster supply kit, and practicing your plan will help everyone know what to do and help keep you and your family safe.

To help you be better prepared if a disaster strikes, University of Illinois Extension will offer a disaster preparedness program for families on Thursday, May 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL., building R, in the south lobby. 

Nutrition and Wellness Educator Diane Reinhold will meet with adult participants and discuss the importance of developing a culture of preparedness for you and your family, weather warning terms, what to do before and after a disaster, common types of disasters, fire and food safety, and the importance of developing an individual or family disaster plan.

Youth Development Educator Kelly Lafferty will meet with youth and discuss how they can prepare for a disaster. Youth will create a craft, participate in activities, and listen to local speakers to learn what they can do in the event of a disaster. The youth will then gather with their families and create a family disaster action plan.

To register for Preparing for a Natural Disaster, call the Extension office at (815) 235-4125 or visit us online at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/is-your-family-prepared-for-a-natural-disaster-stephenson. There is no fee to register. However, preregistration is requested.

If you need accommodations to participate, please let our office know when you register. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.