Storm Update

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Updated: 10:34 AM May 23, 2011 Storm Update City crews have been mobilized to manage the aftermath of the storm and have mobilized the emergency ops center. Posted: 11:41 PM May 22, 2011	Courtesy of Jay Ray

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ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- City crews have been mobilized to manage the aftermath of the storm and have mobilized the emergency ops center. Efforts for storm management are being coordinated with ComEd. Area residents are asked to stay inside in a place of safety. Do not go near power lines.

If you need to report a power outage call 1800edison1 (18003347661).

Reminder: when traffic lights are down or flashing red- treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.

Intersections down: many on the south-east quadrant; spring creek and alpine; North Main corridor from Halsted to Shepard Trail is out.

Residents w/o power: 7500 in Rockford
City crews on street: 4 crews to clear debris until 11pm; more out at daybreak.

Street maintenance/removal of debris call: (815) 987-5763/5764 or (815)987-5771

Media questions can be directed to julia valdez @ (815) 378-0291 or julia.valdez@comcast.net

Latest Comments

Posted by: mator on May 23, 2011 at 06:33 PM

Yep and driveing 90 mph with your kid in the car was prety smart to. Yep them ther tornadors made all the smart people come out I can tell that by who they interviewed WE WERE Lucky LET'S SAY A PRAYER FOR JOPLIN MISSOURI they were devestated like I said we were lucky

Posted by: cathy on May 23, 2011 at 07:28 AM

well were glad your ok

Posted by: Beatrice Location: Harrison coming from Belvedere on May 23, 2011 at 04:10 AM

headed West towards Rockford from Belvidere and spotted what I thought was smoke only to realize it was a touch down whirl wind start of a tornadoe. Panic, and made decision to go in reverse on rt 20 to make a u turn and head East! In doin so ran into heavy debris and very heavy black wind floored jeep 90 MPR to get out of the twister. I had my daughter in my hands and had to do something! I have never been so scared,saw my life and that of my sister and daughter before my eyes!! what a NIGHTMARE

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FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross urge every family to develop a family disaster plan. Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off?

Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan...

Gather information about hazards.
Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.

Meet with your family to create a plan.
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

Implement your plan.
(1) Post emergency telephone numbers by phones;(2) Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; (3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them; (4) Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home; (5) Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number; (6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT SHOULD INCLUDE: A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil one change of clothing and footwear per person one blanket or sleeping bag per person a first aid kit, including prescription medicines emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries an extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

Practice and maintain your plan. Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross chapter, or local office of emergency management for a copy of “Your Family Disaster Plan” (L-191/ARC4466).