Prepare for Possible Severe Weather

 
 

Strong storms packing high winds are possible across the Kankakee Valley today. Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Ted Bombagetti says the full oliage on the trees will cause them to act like kites and blow in the wind. As a result, the potential for lost power will be high.

Bombagetti recommends checking flashlight batteries before the storms hit and stocking up on non-refrigerated food items should power go out for an extended period of time. He says it’s also a good idea to keep prescription drugs, keys and other important paperwork nearby and to stock up on water.

Bombagetti has also advised officials at the county’s three school corporations of the possibility of severe weather so they can follow through as necessary with their emergency plans. Each is equipped with a National Weather Service radio so school officials can react quickly. Bombagetti adds emergency sirens will be set off if tornado warnings are issued. If you hear them going off, seek immediate shelter in a basement or first-floor interior room.

The WKVI Information Center will be staffed throughout the day to bring you the very latest on any severe weather that may come through our area.