September is National Preparedness Month and local weather officials are providing helpful tips for being prepared in Illinois.

This time of the year doesn't provide much excitement in central Illinois but Chris Miller at the National Weather Service in Lincoln says it is always helpful to have an updated emergency kit.

Just because this time of year isn't peak time for winter storms or tornado activity, Miller says it doesn't mean something can't pop up. He says places like Taylorville and Washington are prime examples of severe weather popping up when we least expect it.

A visit to the National Weather Service website can get you more information. Visit weather.gov/lincoln and at the bottom of the page, you'll find information on weather preparedness.