Press Release - Tuesday, April 22, 2025
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Disaster Preparedness Is an Important Part of Back-to-School Planning
SPRINGFIELD–Whether it’s a severe weather event, power for telecommunications loss, or the threat of school violence, students need emergency preparedness information during this Back2School Safety Month. “August is a busy month with students returning to school and college and we encourage preparedness education so that the school year is as smooth and positive as possible,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger.
Storms and storm-related emergencies can affect a student’s transportation, so alternative plans should be mapped out ahead of time. If power or cell phone service goes out, students need other ways to communicate with family and schools. A student’s digital security can prevent problems like identity theft and scams.
Additionally, students in grade and high school can use Safe2HelpIL as a tool to help keep them safe. Students can utilize Safe2HelpIL via email, phone call, text, or app to confidentially send an alert on such issues as bullying, mental health struggles, or threats of violence.
- Students can reach Safe2Help several ways:
- Call 1-844-4SAFEIL (723345)
- Text SAFE2 (72332)
- Online app at https://app.safe22helpil.com/
- Email
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More information specifically about student preparedness can be found at https://ready.illinois.gov/plan/children.html.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): www.Ready.Illinois.gov is.gov
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IEMA-OHS Recognizes Extreme Heat Safety Month
Springfield - July is Extreme Heat Safety Month, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is asking everyone to understand the danger to you, your family, and your pets.
"The best preparedness is individual preparedness," explained IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. "If you and your family are ready for extreme heat, you can prevent inconvenience, frustration, and even illness. The recent week-long heat wave was a clear reminder in the Midwest that heat affects us too."
Extreme heat is defined as high heat and humidity temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. Older adults, children, and people with certain illnesses and chronic conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat. Take these steps to prepare for extreme heat and prevent heat-related illnesses:
• Hydrate with water, not caffeinated or alcoholic beverages
• Wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid strenuous activity during mid-day
• Use awnings or curtains indoors to deflect the sun
• Fans will move air around, but does not lower your temperature
• Use air conditioning inside your home or visit a store or local mall
• Know your local cooling centers in Illinois
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle
• Get trained in first aid to help those with heat illness
• Check on neighbors and elderly who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat
Learn the differences between a heat watch vs heat warning (NWS): https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-ww
More tips on extreme heat safety can be found here: https://ready.illinois.gov/hazards/extremetempshot.html
Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): www.Ready.Illinois.gov
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June Is Pet Preparedness Month
Evacuation plan, emergency kit, and medical information are crucial in a disaster
Springfield-It's not just two-legged loved ones who need a disaster preparedness plan. Four-legged, no-legged, and other pets will need assistance if there is an emergency. A survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals indicated that while 83 percent of pet owners live in an area impacted by disasters, fewer than half have a preparedness plan.
"Just like for humans, we need to be prepared for disasters on behalf of our pets," said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. "Not only do we need to think through all the items necessary to care for pets when we are at home, we need a plan in case we are not home and need arrangements for care."
For example, a recent photo of you and your pet will be key if you are separated and want to be reunited. Rescuers will want proof that your pet belongs to you.
More pet preparedness tips:
- Create a pet preparedness kit with medications, non-perishable food and treats, water, bowls, cat litter and pan, waste bags, blanket, bedding for pocket/exotic pets (and perhaps a heat source), toys, first aid kit, and copies of medical records
- Have up-to-date identification on your pet
- Identify a safe area of your home where all can stay together during a shelter-in-place recommendation, and keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers
- Coordinate with a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor to take care of pets and their disaster kits if you're not home, then meet you a specific location
- Don't allow pets to roam loose in a damaged home or neighborhood.
Many shelters or other emergency centers do not allow pets because of health and safety concerns, so it is critical that you plan ahead for your pets' care.
More tips on pet preparedness information can be found here: https://ready.illinois.gov/plan/animals.html.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): Ready.Illinois.gov
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Severe Weather in Midwest Can Be Spawned by Hurricanes
IEMA-OHS encourages residents to be prepared for the effects of strong hurricanes
Springfield - While a hurricane won't hit Illinois, some tropical storm remnants move far inland to cause flooding and wind damage. "I know it's unusual to ask Illinoisans to be prepared for hurricane season June 1 - November 1, but the Midwest could feel the effects of any strong hurricane," said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Interim Director Khayyat.
"It was just last year that the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding to our state," Khayyat continued. "This is why IEMA-OHS continuously monitors the National Weather Service forecasts so we are prepared if severe weather tracks from the coast into Illinois."
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to weather alerts through a local National Weather Service office and/or their local media. That is good advice whether you are susceptible to hurricane remnants or if you plan to travel to areas that frequently have hurricanes.
Vacation preparation should entail the following tasks:
• Know your hurricane risks including inland locations
• Update family emergency plans
• Enhance your preparedness kit supplies
• Subscribe to your vacation destination's emergency alerts
• Familiarize yourself with multiple evacuation zones for all travel locations
• Keep your cell phone charged for weather warnings other emergency alerts
• Share your location with family members so they know where you are
• Frequently check the weather, news, and traffic going to, and at your destination
• Check FEMA's website for more hurricane preparedness tips.
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April is Hazardous Materials Safety Month
Springfield-Annually, Illinois adds more than 100 new, active Tier 2 chemical facilities and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) tracks each one of them. "We monitor stored chemicals as well as all reports of releases or spills," explained IEMA-OHS Interim Director Adnan Khayyat during Hazardous Materials Safety Month.
"We should all be familiar with the chemicals that are used near us by more than 9,000 active facilities," IEMA-OHS Interim Director Khayyat continued. "These chemicals could be used every day as detergents, fuels, medicines, and more and IEMA-OHS is prepared for any incident that involves these chemicals."
IEMA also works with Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), first responders, and emergency managers to inform the public about hazardous materials located at more than 8,800 active chemical facilities throughout Illinois. It addition, it partners with the Illinois Fire Service Institute (ISFI) in offering guidance and hazardous materials training (https://www.fsi.illinois.edu/content/courses/programs/detail/?program=24) to all businesses and organizations in Illinois."
Below are some tips on how to properly handle household chemicals from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA):
- Follow the instructions on the label for use and storage.
- Don't mix products. This can cause deadly gases or a fire.
- Store products in their original containers.
- Store anything that can catch on fire away from your home.
- Only fill portable gasoline containers outdoors. Make sure to place the container on the ground before you fill it.
- Never store materials that can cause a fire in the sun or near an open flame or heat source.
- Store hazardous materials out of the reach of children and pets.
- Use safety locks and guardrails on shelves and cabinets when you store materials. This will prevent them from falling or tipping.
- Wear gloves or goggles when you use these materials.
To track chemical spills and releases in Illinois, visit IEMA's Hazardous Materials Incident Reports database: https://public.iema.state.il.us/FOIAHazmatSearch/
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): Ready.Illinois.gov
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