Illinois stands at the top of the nation with 115 tornadoes reported so far this year, a pace well above average. Repeated bouts of severe storms and flooding have struck neighborhoods across the state, causing widespread disruption. In response, state Emergency Management officials are urging residents to revisit their disaster preparedness plans. Citizens are encouraged to check local alerts, assemble emergency kits, and map out safe shelter locations. With more storms likely as the severe weather season continues, officials stress that preparation now could make a crucial difference for families facing future threats from tornadoes and flooding in the weeks ahead.
“Severe weather can strike with little warning, and the best defense is being ready before it happens,” said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “The national ‘preparedness starts at home’ campaign reminds us that we each have a role to play by mapping out a plan and reviewing insurance coverage”
“Spending just a small amount of time on preparedness can save you significant costs and frustration when disaster strikes,” said Berger. “Something as simple as checking with your insurance agency about flood coverage can give you peace of mind. Too often, people don’t discover a gap in insurance until it’s too late.”
- Emergency kits for home and vehicle: https://ready.illinois.gov/
plan/gobag.html - Family communications plan (invaluably if phones or cell service is out): https://ready.illinois.gov/
content/dam/soi/en/web/ready/ sitecollectiondocuments/ihs- family-communication-plan.pdf - Pet preparedness emergency kit: https://ready.illinois.gov/
plan/animals.html - Digital safety: https://www.ready.gov/
cybersecurity
Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) at Ready.Illinois.Gov.
