Kane County has been officially recognized as a StormReady community by the National Weather Service, reinforcing its commitment to safety and preparedness. With 98% of all federally declared disasters being weather-related, the StormReady program helps communities plan for extreme weather through advanced communication, education, and emergency response strategies.
Over the last two years, the Kane County Office of Emergency Management has responded to 12 tornado events:
- 3 tornadoes on July 15, 2024
- 2 tornadoes on July 14, 2024
- 1 tornado in June 2024
- 4 tornadoes on February 27, 2024
- 2 tornadoes on July 12, 2023
Being StormReady means Kane County has met key preparedness criteria, including:
- A 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
- Multiple systems to receive and share severe weather alerts
- Local monitoring of weather conditions
- Public education initiatives on weather preparedness
- A formal hazardous weather plan with training and emergency exercises
While no community is storm-proof, Kane County's StormReady status enhances its ability to protect lives and property before, during, and after severe weather events.