I go with a ten year rule - if it hasn't happened her in ten years, I don't put it on my worry list. Also, what is likely to happen every year?

So for Chicago ( or any part of the mid west) expectations go like this;

1. Blizzard / extreme cold
2. Power loss
3. extreme heat
4. tornado / thunderstorm
5. Other ( mostly concerning loss of provided services for a time or gridlock)


Teacher

( +1 above to a whole different list for outdoor / wilderness activities)