Storm preparedness

Storm Preparedness 2017 GUIDE

NW KC JMK DC

Shaw Media • Thursday, March 23, 2017

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Table of Contents In an emergency, who is the first to respond? YOU!.............................................. 3 Destination: safety........................................................................................... 5 Keeping kids calm during wicked weather....................................................... 5-6 Windows....................................................................................................7 & 8 What’s your Post-Storm IQ...................................................................... 10 & 11 Severe weather care for trees and shrubs......................................................... 13 Harvest the rain.....................................................................................13 & 15

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When disaster strikes...you will be the first to respond! So take the first step towards getting ready to take care of yourself and your family, with these tips from Gear Up. Get Ready!

Campaign, funded by the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program:

Prepare an emergency kit Most likely you already have most of these items at home. Find them, organize them and put them all in one place. Then get the missing items.

Account for your family’s special needs: children, seniors, pets, disabilities, etc.

Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Include both a local and regional meeting spot everyone knows.

Write down where your family spends the most time: work, school and other places you frequent.

Schools, daycare providers, workplace and apartment buildings should all have site-specific emergency plans that you and your family need to know about.

Keep a printed record of family names, social security numbers, phone numbers and important health information.

Find out more, and get helpful printables to help you prepare, at gearupgetready.org

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STORM PREPAREDNESS | Shaw Media

In an emergency, who is the first to respond? YOU!

NW/KS/JMK

Shaw Media • Thursday, March 23, 2017

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KNOW YOUR LOCAL STORM

Emergency Warning Systems An Emergency Outdoor Warning Siren System is an all-hazards siren system used to warn the general population of potential danger. During an emergency, the sirens may be activated for a set amount of time as determined by your community, typically for about five minutes.

What Do the Sirens Mean?

Most systems use two siren tones.

• Alert: A single tone signifying an emergency alert. This signal may be used to inform the community of an emergency or disaster, including a severe storm, tornado warning (not a tornado watch), earthquake, chemical hazard/hazardous material incident, extreme winds, or biological hazard.

• Attack: An up-and-down, rising and falling tone to signify there is a homeland security or attack emergency. This signal would be used if community officials were notified by federal and/or state government officials of an actual or impending attack on the local community.

• All Clear: Many communities do not use an All Clear signal. Tune in to your local news agencies and listen for notification from city officials regarding the emergency.

Siren Test Times In Illinois, sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.

What should you do if you hear the sirens?

If the sirens are activated - and it is not a monthly siren test the public should see it as a signal to: • seek shelter; • tune in to radio or television to get information about – type of emergency and – instructions and recommendations; and • listen to your local media for indications that the emergency is over.

Note: The public should not call 9-1-1 unless they have an actual emergency.

During times of severe weather the National Weather Service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch for a six hour period. The Weather Service may terminate a watch early if weather conditions change or the threat of severe weather no longer exists. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Warnings are normally issued for a period of one hour.

Warnings are usually allowed to expire on their own, without an early termination from the Weather Service.

The sirens are meant to be heard outside. As homes continue to become more energy efficient and sound proofing enhanced, outdoor warning sirens that once could be heard inside of a home can no longer be heard. That’s why other means of warning are in place.

For more information, or to hear an audio recording of the sirens, visit: www.illinois.gov Other resources include: ◆ National Weather Service

www.weather.gov ◆ Ready Illinois www.ready.illinois.gov ◆ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.ready.gov Check your local village or city website for community specific procedures and notifications.

Where to head during a severe storm, at home or away

By Shonda Talerico Dudlicek

Tornado watch: Tornadoes are possible, so follow the latest weather information. Be prepared to take shelter. Those not in a secure, safe location need to find one. Any rotating funnel-shaped clouds should be reported immediately by phone to local authorities like emergency management or the police.

Tornado warning: A tornado has been spotted by someone or indicated by weather radar. Storms may produce damaging winds in excess of 60 miles per hour and 1-inch hail. Take shelter immediately and turn on a battery-operated radio or TV and wait for local updated information. Smartphones automatically receive tornado warnings.

“The main thing is to have a radio. We keep hearing that this is a very good way to get the message that a storm is coming. This is the number-one thing,” Mott said.

Determine the best location in the home and workplace to seek shelter when there’s the threat of tornadoes. Conduct periodic tornado safety drills at home and work and decide how and where everyone will gather prior to and after the storm.

In all instances, stay safe and hidden until the danger has passed.

Keeping kids calm during wicked weather Prepare them, calm their fears, and get them back on track

By Shonda Talerico Dudlicek Elizabeth Weaver Hug of Joliet remembers when the tree fell on her house during a storm. She was out running errands and her young kids were home with a sitter. “That really freaked them out,” she said, adding that getting everything back to normal after the storm had passed was as important as calming fears during the storm itself.

Now, Hug and her family run “Helping Hugs”, a charity that aids families affected by storms and their destruction. Hug and volunteers have been tending to tornado victims’ immediate needs for three years. Hug and her firefighter husband and teenage son and daughter also collect simple children’s items like coloring books and stuffed animals for kids affected by tornadoes. Again, offering comforts and a sense of normalcy that can be lost after a bad storm, as parents often are overwhelmed with the larger issues of shelter, food and

insurance.

“When we helped with the Washington tornado, some kids were unloading the semitrailer of stuff we brought, and they told us they didn’t want to go back to school because there was too much work to do. I told them, ‘Your job is to get back to life, so strap that backpack on and get to school.’”

Experiencing a tornado can be really hard for children. They may be afraid of it for a long time. Parents are tasked to to prepare them, practice with them and talk about the storm both before and after. According to Survival Mastery.com, a website devoted to all aspects of disaster preparation, these things will make it much easier for children to tackle the stress and fear associated with a bad storm, and help them avoid panic attacks in the future whenever they encounter another tornado or another natural disaster.

See WICKED WEATHER, page 6

• Thursday, March 23, 2017

Tornadoes are a threat year round, not just in the humid summers.

According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, while the chances of being affected by a tornado may seem small, it is imperative to act quickly when the threat is confirmed.

“It’s important for families to have a severe thunderstorm or tornado plan,” said Charles Mott, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville.

“Whenever there’s the threat –a day or two out, when there’s the possibility – practice the plan. Know where you’re going to go. If there’s no basement, then a designated room. Make sure you have it stocked with flashlights, food, blankets, extra clothing.”

First, it’s important to know the level of danger:

Where should you go in case of a tornado if you are: …at home?

• Storm cellar, basement or the lowest level of the building. In a basement, go under the stairs, under a heavy piece of furniture or work bench.

• If there is no basement, go to an interior hallway or small interior room without windows, like a bathroom or closet. Avoid windows and outside walls because they may be penetrated by high-speed, wind-borne debris.

• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture like a work bench or heavy table and hold onto it. If those aren’t available, become the smallest target possible by squatting low to the ground, head down and use your hands to cover your head and neck.

• Use pillows, mattresses or cushions to protect your head and neck. …outdoors?

• If possible, go inside a substantial building on the lowest floor, away from windows and doors.

•Go to a low-lying area, like a ditch or culvert and shield your head with your hands.

Beware of the potential for flash flooding. …in a vehicle?

•Don’t park under a bridge or overpass. Its design may create a wind-tunnel effect under the span, further increasing the wind speed. Many overpasses are completely exposed underneath and most lack hanging girders or a crawlspacelike area to stay protected from debris blown around at high speeds. People stopping underneath overpasses also block traffic flow and put others at danger.

•Don’t try and outrun a tornado in a car as heavy rain, hail and traffic may impede movement. Tornadoes can change directions quickly and can easily lift up a vehicle and toss it into the air.

•Immediately exit the vehicle and take shelter in a nearby building.

•Hide in a low-lying area away from vehicles.

STORM PREPAREDNESS | Shaw Media

Destination: safety

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• WICKED WEATHER Continued from page 5 Whenever you hear on the news of a tornado that hit some town, listen carefully.

Both the news report and what the affected citizens of the town say can be equally valuable. It is the experiences of other people that can help your kid get an idea of the situation. Also, talk about how your kid feels, before and after. Talking through the emotion a tornado causes, can relieve the stress and can be a bonding experience.

A good and strict preparation beforehand combined with drills can be the ultimate safety tip for both you and your children.

Tiffany Marchyshyn of Crystal Lake is a former preschool teacher. She recalled ushering the kids into the hallway while a tornado was passing through the northwest suburbs. “They were scared because they know it’s different. That was really weird for them to be in the hallway. But we distracted them by singing songs and playing cards.”

Now, Marchyshyn uses similar for her own children, Maggie, 7, and Ben, 5, as well as fielding their questions with direct, specific facts about the storm. Marchyshyn’s calming strategies depend on the time of day.

“If they’re awake, we bring them down into the basement to play. Most of their toys are down there. It’s all about distraction,” she said. “They think it’s playtime.”

But recently, Maggie came home from school “a little freaked out” after the teacher announced there was a storm. “So we looked it up on Storm Tracker. Now she asks to see where the storms are,” Marchyshyn said. “It was easier when they were younger and didn’t know what was going on. My kids hear the wind, noise and sirens and ask questions. I give them some information, but not too much.”

For many children it is the uncertainty of the storm that is most scary. According to pediatrician Dr. Mara Paradis, routine is the key to keeping calm. Establish a regular routine for storms with your family, so the process is both familiar and expected.

Most of all, keep calm yourself, as children feed off the emotions of their parents.

FAMILY TIP: WEAR SHOES Always wear shoes when a storm begins, even if you are at home.

“Many people can become stuck without shoes on their feet and because of all the rubble and glass, have to be carried out, whether or not they can walk.

Now we tell our kids when they head down to the basement during a storm, to wear shoes.” – Elizabeth Weaver Hug, Helping Hugs

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Tips on Weathering the Storm for your Landscape

deer with repellents and/or chicken wire or bird netting.

The mild winter has brought many spring blooming plants to feel as though it’s time for them to grow and bloom.

Perennials that have peeked out of the ground will not be damaged from the cold but could see damage from hail, causing holes in the leaves. This should not kill the plants, but they will look unsightly until new foliage grows to cover the damaged leaves.

Spring bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, will not be damaged by the snow or cold. However, deer are hungry and will eat the first green plants they can find.

Protect them from the

Protect spring blooming trees and shrubs; rhododendrons, azaleas, crabapples and magnolias.

Their buds have been waiting all winter to open and we don’t want them to freeze.

If at all possible, wrap your shrubs and cover shorter trees with burlap,

in on especially hot sunny afternoons) it’s still happening. Those drafts are digging deep into your wallet and your everyday living.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize the payback or ROI (return on investment) that is there with windows said Tom DiFiglio, general manager at Rusco Windows and Doors.

Trouble is, there are so many different options for windows today – casement, awning, garden, gliding, picture, double hung, bay and bow windows – and most homeowners have a difficult time grasping all the possibilities.

“We’re talking about 25 to 50 percent in energy savings by replacing your See WINDOWS, page 8 After storms, you may notice a tree limb has been broken. Prune broken branches off of the tree by making a clean cut so not to tear the tree bark.

bird netting, or landscape fabric when warned of dropping temperatures. Be sure to NEVER cover them with plastic as it will pull the frost right through the plastic onto your plants.

Prevent trees with a trunk diameter of less than 2” from leaning or even being uprooted by placing boulders around the base to help keep the tree stable. The ground is not frozen so you could stake your tree as well.

Stop in for a copy of our pruning instructions for the proper technique or view it on the Advice page of our website.

This is the time of year when you notice Winterburn, especially on Boxwood. The best prevention for this is to apply Wilt Pruf to evergreens

in the fall. If you are noticing it now, fertilize with organic Holly Tone.

Stop in and see our Illinois Certified Nursery Professionals for all your pre and post storm needs.

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By Chris Walker Windows are, perhaps, one of the most important features of a home. They allow light to shine in and that perfect early fall breeze to cool a room. So when a gale force wind or a belting hail storm result in cracked, broken and leaky windows, it can leave you with a difficult, expensive, and often complex decision about repair and replacement.

The pressing issue for many people seeking new windows is efficiency. And since often, home owners didn’t plan for a window purchase, and are taking recent storm damage as the opportunity to replace, they are looking to make that investment pay forward as much as possible, typically through lower utility usage.

While heat cannot readily be seen escaping through the windows, (or seeping

STORM PREPAREDNESS | Shaw Media

Cost vs.

Benefit

• WINDOWS Continued from page 7 windows,” DiFiglio said. “It always depends on when the house was built. There are a lot of subpar products that perform only very average, so from a dollar and cents point, and payback to when you get them, it make sense for people to consider replacing windows.”

But what if you are in need of windows in your historic home, and don’t like the sleek modern styles of todays energy efficient options? How do you meet the character of your home should you need to repair or replace?

The answer could be restoration.

“In the last few years we’ve heard from a lot of homeowners who that want to preserve that feel so they’re paying more attention to the windows and not just the rest of the house,” said Frank Rojas, owner of Historic Home and Window Restoration in Aurora. “People are paying more attention to the architecture of older homes, things you do not get with new construction. In the past I think people overlooked the windows, but they’re paying a lot more attention to them now.”

Historic Home and Window Restoration provides full restoration of all windows, which includes awnings, basement, bay, casement, double hung, among others. The process than assure homeowners that repaired windows will match the aesthetic of the home, or full renovations will keep the entire house in character with the original architecture.

“Windows offer so much to the charm of the house and we’ve been happy that more people are understanding that,” Rojas said. “Obviously, people want to make sure their windows are energy efficient, but they can do that while also preserving the older homes.”

Know the numbers You’ll see these numbers on Energy Star and National Fenestration Rating Council window labels: • U-factor, or U-value, usually ranges from 0.20 to 1.20.

The lower the number, the better the window is at keeping heat in.

• Solar heat gain coefficient is between 0 and 1.

The lower the number, the better the window is at blocking unwanted heat from the sun. In warm climates, you’ll want the lowest number you can find; in cold areas a higher number is better.

• Visible transmittance indicates how much visible light a window lets in and is between 0 and 1. As the number increases, so does the light The NFRC is an independent non-profit organization that establishes objective window, door, and skylight energy performance ratings

0.20 - 1.20...

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What’s your Post-Storm IQ?

Things to know if weather damages your home

By Kelli Murray Wicked weather has been making headlines recently: Seven tornadoes hit northern and central Illinois in February resulting not only in the loss of life, but also widespread devastation as homes and property were destroyed or severely damaged. Another headline details powerful straight line winds damaging homes in central Illinois in March.

And now upon us is the spring storm season, with the likelihood of wind storms, hail, lightning strikes and heavy downpours, and even the possibility of a tornado or two. If you’ve lived here any measure of time you likely are used to the weather, but once the storm blows over and clean up begins, do you know how to assess the damage??

According to Allstate Insurance agent Michael Battisto, after making sure you and your family are safe, it’s time to perform a damage assessment on your home and property: make a call to your local fire department if there are obvious hazards such as downed power lines, then take a good hard look at your home.

“The two largest claims we file are wind and hail damage. We recommend customers contact their local agent so a proper assessment of damage can be done,” Battisto said. “An important step is to do immediate repairs to mitigate

Photo provided by Theisen Roofing & Siding

Workers from Theisen Roofing & Siding replace a roof on a home in Rochelle, Ill., earlier this year.

further damage and protect the homeowner’s belongings.”

Trying to stop secondary damage is crucial, he added. A hole in the roof allows rainwater in causing further damage to belongings as well as the interior structure of the home such as walls and floors.

Eric Theisen of Theisen Roofing & Siding, Co., in Cortland, agrees that making sure the home is watertight is a key first step to preserving property.

A homeowner can visually inspect their home, looking for missing roof shingles or siding, but there may be subtle signs of damage homeowners might overlook, he said.

“Shingles in the yard or granules from shingles that have come through the downspout will sometimes tell you hail damaged the roof and knocked some shingles loose,” Theisen said. “Siding may get scuffed from debris. Vinyl siding will crack, and aluminum siding will get dented or divots may appear.”

Broken glass on windows and doors are obvious signs of damage, but homeowners should also be on alert for flaws in window and door frames. John VandeWerken of Elburn-based Midwest Windows and Supply said dents from hail can appear in the frames and sashes of windows, but wind also can put a toll on glass.

“Wind bursts put a lot of pressure on a window,” VandeWerken said. “There is glazing between the frame and the glass and wind pressure can break the seal and let water get inside.” And the older the glass the more likely it is to crack as it loses resiliency as it ages, he added.

If glass is cracked or broken, he suggests to wear gloves and carefully tape windows to prevent pieces from falling into the home. A tarp or covering secured around the frame is another way to keep the elements from getting inside the home and safeguarding the family from shards of glass until the window can be replaced or repaired.

“Dents show that a door or window was damaged, it doesn’t mean they don’t work,”VandeWerken said. “Look for imperfections such as small cracks or chips in glass, cracked vinyl frames and peeling finish.”

Even if your home has no exterior damage after a storm, a walk down to your lower level or basement could reveal a shocking, if hazardous and costly, situation.

“Storm sewers can’t always keep up with water and it can back up into the home,” Battisto said. “I strongly encourage water-sewer backup coverage, especially if you have a finished basement.”

Post storm can be a busy time for contractors, so if yours can’t get out to your home for a few days, try to tarp or board your house where necessary to protect See POST-STORM, page 11

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• POST-STORM Continued from page 10

STORM PREPAREDNESS | Shaw Media

the inside, Theisen said. “If it rains, you obviously don’t want water coming into the house.”

And though he understands a homeowner’s anxiety if there is even minimal damage, Theisen cautioned against hiring a contractor that happens to pull up in an unmarked truck offering free estimates in a storm damaged neighborhood.

“Illinois state law requires that the company name and license be displayed on a work truck,” he said. “Look at license plates and see if they are from out of state.

Your home is your biggest investment, so I tell people to never feel pressured to sign anything. Just because it’s an emergency storm situation doesn’t mean you don’t do repairs right. Talk to your neighbors and see if they have used a contractor. Shopping with a local company is always a good idea.”

Battisto offers these tips when filing an insurance claim:

• Thursday, March 23, 2017

• Coverage. Call your local agent and find out what is covered and not covered.

• Deductible. Understand your deductible amount. If you don’t think damage exceeds your deductible, consider calling a contractor without going through your insurance and fix on your own.

• Expenses. Find out how much coverage you have for living expenses if you need to move out of your home during repairs.

• Review policy. Make sure you review your dwelling coverage amount annually to ensure it meets your needs.

“Dealing with the aftermath of a storm can be a traumatic event,” Battisto said.

“Your life is thrown into turmoil, so having someone who can take that burden away from you can help give a bad story a happy ending.”

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A Storm’s Brewing...Watch Out!

By Tresa Erickson Remember when you were a kid and your mother made you get off the phone or out of the shower at the first crack of thunder? Think she was crazy now that you’re older? Think again. Your mother was right. Wherever there’s thunder, there’s lightning, and lightning can travel through phone lines and plumbing. Be like Mom and protect yourself and your family during a thunderstorm by learning what to do in one.

During a thunderstorm, there are generally three courses of action you can take depending upon where you happen to be. If you are at home, follow these tips: • Remain inside away from the windows.

• Avoid using water.

• Stay off the telephone.

• Unplug all air conditioners, computers and other major appliances and try not to use electrical equipment.

If you are caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, head for the nearest building.

Avoid metal sheds. If you cannot get to a shelter, follow these tips: • Get out of the water as soon as possible if swimming or boating.

• Spread out if you’re in a group.

• Find a low-lying area away from trees, fences and poles, and crouch down low on the balls of your feet.

• Drop to your knees and bend forward with your hands on your knees should your hair stand on end. This indicates that lightning is about to strike and you want to make yourself as small of a target as possible.

If you are driving when a thunderstorm strikes, pull over to the side of the road and follow these tips: • Park in an area away from trees and other tall objects.

• Turn on your emergency flashers.

• Stay in the vehicle and wait out the storm.

• Avoid touching any metal objects in the vehicle while you wait.

Thunderstorms can happen anywhere, anytime. Be prepared by knowing what to do when one occurs. Don’t take chances with lightning. Just one strike is all it takes to level trees, burn down houses and destroy life. Always take cover during a thunderstorm, follow the guidelines above and protect yourself and your family!

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Harvest the rain

Help your landscape bounce back from spring storms with a rain barrel

By Kelli Murray The greater Chicago area has enjoyed a mild winter this year, but Spring is coming and with the change of seasons comes the possibility of heavy rain, flooding and potential storms. But its not all bad news. In addition to rubber boots and a raincoat, you can combat the seasonal deluge by making the most of it! Become a good environmental steward and consider rain barrels around your home.

Positioned beneath a downspout, rain barrels collect rain that runs off rooftops, preventing local flooding in yards and sewers, which is a win-win for gardeners and their neighborhoods.

“Homeowners can use the rain barrels to water their gardens,” said Heather Moister, garden center manager at The Barn Nursery and Landscape Center in Cary. “Anyone who has grown a garden know that plants respond really well with rain water in a way they don’t with a sprinkler.”

Typical rain barrels hold 50 to 75 gallons and are made with high density polyethylene See RAIN BARREL, page 15 resin and can rapidly fill with water during a rain, Moister said.

• Thursday, March 23, 2017

By Aimee Barrows Spring is here, and with it comes the threat of severe weather, which can wreak havoc on trees and shrubs. But while you can’t control the weather, there are steps you can take now to minimize the damage that high winds, heavy downpours and hail can do to your landscaping.

Trees tend to bear the brunt of storms, with high wind speeds being the biggest threat, causing branches to break off or trunks to snap. Trees with stronger, more established roots tend to fare better in high winds, but the best thing you can do is regularly inspect the trunk and branches for wounds and weak spots. Once you’ve identified weakened branches, the best prevention is to prune them. The best time to prune trees is mid-February to early May, although if branches are damaged in a storm, remove the broken limbs and branches as soon as possible.

Be careful when pruning branches not to cut into the trunk or strip the bark, which will cause an open wound to the tree. If the branch is too large, or requires a ladder to prune, it’s best to call a certified arborist to remove the branch to avoid jagged wounds, which could lead to decay further into the trunk.

Doris Taylor, plant clinic manager at the Morton Arboretum, explains that denser trees, like evergreens, as well as willows, birches and ornamental pears, tend to be the most susceptible to wind damage because they are more weak-wooded, so high winds don’t easily pass through them.

“We recommend planting tougher trees, like oak or gingko trees, which are slower growing and have a better root system,” she said. “It’s important to make sure you have enough space for the roots, which grow two-to-three times the width of the tree. And it’s better to plant smaller trees because they establish better and more quickly.”

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STORM PREPAREDNESS | Shaw Media

Severe weather care for trees and shrubs

Taylor explained that shrubs tend to fare better than trees in severe weather, simply because they’re lower to the ground and have many branches that can grow back quickly. She said wind goes through shrubs easier than trees, so they don’t often get damaged.

“If you prune shrubs regularly and take out the older stems it can help minimize damage,” she said. “If plants are kept healthy and vigorous, they heal quickly if they get a wound. Weaker plants are more vulnerable to insects, disease and storm damage.”

Heavy rains can cause damage to tree and shrub roots. Roots require oxygen, so too much water can suffocate them. To protect roots and stabilize the soil, Taylor recommends applying three to four inches of organic mulch, but said it shouldn’t touch the tree bark. Mulch helps diffuse the water and protects plants and shrubs from washing away, said Amy Hull, greenhouse supervisor at College of DuPage.

Before planting a tree, Taylor recommends researching which trees will work in your landscape. Some trees are able to tolerate more moisture in lower spots in the ground or an area near a downspout that create puddles and suffocate roots. She said some trees that are able to better tolerate more moisture are bald cypress, red maple, swamp white oak and Freeman’s maple, as well as most elm trees. Trees that need a more well-drained soil include Kentucky coffee tree, crab apples, sugar maples and most oaks.

Taylor also emphasized the importance of diversifying when planting trees and shrubs by choosing a variety of different species.

“Years ago, we lost elm trees to Dutch elm disease, so rows and rows of the same tree were killed,” she said. “Those were replaced with ash trees, which were lost to an infestation of emerald ash borer and tree lined streets with the same type of trees became bare lots. It’s best to mix up the species. If you have a maple, put something else next to it.”

When planting shrubs, a variety of sizes of plants not only add beauty to your landscaping, but larger shrubs can protect some of the smaller, weaker plants during a storm. Some of the most popular shrubs suited to northern Illinois’ climate include lilacs, viburnums, dogwoods and hydrangeas. Of course, if the shrub or plant is small enough and you know a storm is coming, covering them would help to prevent hail or wind damage.

Lightning strikes can kill or severely damage trees, but Taylor said it doesn’t happen as often as people think.

“Lightning enters into the tree and explodes cells internally, exiting through the ground. Some trees may die instantly, some fall apart and some heal,” she said.

“Signs of tree death include bark falling off or leaves don’t appear in the spring.

Have the trees removed by a certified arborist to avoid a hazard that may cause injury or property damage.”

The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic offers advice to homeowners who have questions. For more information, visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2424.

Shaw Media • Thursday, March 23, 2017

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STORM PREPAREDNESS | Shaw Media

“It’s important to have an overflow so when the barrel is full the water doesn’t gush out,” she said. “There is an overflow tube to direct the water and it can even attach to another rain barrel. Rainwater is valuable and we allow it to just run away if we don’t collect it.”

Moister did caution that rain barrels can harbor mosquitos since the biting insects lay larva in standing water. Homeowners can prevent that from taking place by utilizing mosquito dunks, small water-soluble pouches that are dropped into the rain barrel once every two weeks.

“Once the pouch dissolves, the tiny floating granules release Bti across the surface of the water. Bti is also known as bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacteria that is harmless to people, pets and plants but very effective on mosquito larva,” she said. “It is all natural, not a chemical insecticide.”

Another consideration to keep in mind when using a rain barrel is low water pressure. The barrel should be lifted off the ground a foot or two to help create pressure, but don’t expect the flow to mimic the pressure coming from spigot attached to your home.

“There won’t be pressure if you are holding the hose higher than the rain barrel,” Moister said.

Rain barrels do more than just collect water to be used on vegetable and flower gardens, according to Richard Fielding, vice president of Morris-based UpCycle Products, Inc. They can be a costeffective way to help minimize street flooding during a heavy downpour, he said.

“Rain barrels tend to help with cities infrastructure,” Fielding said. When roof water comes off the house, it goes through the downspout and flows into the underground sewage system which can backup when storm water fills the system, he added.

When too much water floods storm sewers that can’t keep up, the results can be an annoyance, such as a flooded intersection, but can also become costly to a homeowner when sewage enters homes due to backed-up sewage line. Though rain barrels can’t hold all the rainwater that falls during a storm, it is a way to contain some of the hundreds of gallons of water that can runoff a rooftop during spring and summer storms.

“You can be a good neighbor by minimizing groundwater runoff and rainwater going into the sewage system by using rain barrels,” Fielding said.

UpCycle is a term that means to repurpose. So, true to the name, the UpCycle Products rain barrels are former food manufacturing barrels that have been washed with a PH neutral soap and rinsed using water from rain barrels, then are fitted with spigots and a screen on the lid to keep out debris.

UpCycle doesn’t sell directly to residents, but partners with multiple municipal rain barrel programs in Illinois, including the Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Naperville Conservation foundation, and the Chicago collar counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will.

Locations to purchase rain barrels and more information may be found at www.upcycle-products.com.

Rain barrels and accessories also may be found at The Barn Nursery and Landscape Center, 8109 S. Route 31, Cary. For more information, go to www.barnnurserylandscape.com.

Shaw Media • Thursday, March 23, 2017

| STORM PREPAREDNESS

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