Press Release - Tuesday, April 22, 2025
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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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IEMA-OHS Commemorates 100th Anniversary of the Deadliest Tornado in Illinois
March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month
Springfield – On March 18, 1925, the deadliest tornado in U.S. history tore through southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and southwest Indiana, leaving a 219-mile path of destruction.
“During this Severe Weather Preparedness Month, I want everyone in Illinois to recognize the dangers of tornadoes and other weather disasters,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “That tornado, 100 years ago this month, killed 234 residents in Murphysboro alone, making it the hardest-hit town in Illinois during that storm. A total of 695 people lost their lives across the tri-state area. We want Illinoisans to take preparedness seriously—know the risks, have a plan, and review your insurance coverage.”
National Weather Service Lincoln Warning Coordination Meteorologist Ed Shimon emphasized the importance of preparedness. “Devastating tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year. We encourage everyone to have a tornado safety plan and practice it regularly. When a tornado is approaching, seconds can save lives.”
Flooding: Another Major Threat in Illinois
In addition to tornadoes, flooding remains one of Illinois’ most significant weather threats. In 2024, Illinois experienced a major presidential disaster declaration for severe weather and flooding, resulting in over $150 million in damages.
Nationally, flooding is the most common natural hazard, yet many homeowners remain uninsured against flood damage. The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recommend that homeowners, renters, and businesses consider flood insurance to protect their property and belongings.
“Flood insurance must be purchased separately from most homeowners and renters policies and typically takes effect 30 days after purchase,” said IDOI Acting Director Ann Gillespie. “If your community is not eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), private flood insurance may be available from a licensed agent or insurer. Our IDOI insurance analysts can help answer questions about coverage options.”
Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for residents of nearly 23,000 participating communities nationwide. A list of participating flood insurance providers can be found here.
Consider Earthquake Insurance
Illinois residents should also review their earthquake insurance options. Standard homeowners insurance policies may not cover earthquake damage, and coverage varies by provider. When evaluating earthquake insurance, consider whether your policy includes all structures (home, garage), contents, and any exclusions or limitations.
Be Prepared: Steps to Protect Your Home and Family
IEMA-OHS recommends that you:
• Keep all important records and documents in a secure waterproof container
• Make an inventory of possessions using lists and photos/videos
• Insure your property and personal items
• Know how to shut off your home utilities like electricity, gas, and water
• Assemble an emergency kit and “go bag” to help your family for at least three days during extended power outages or in case of evacuation
• In case power is out, make sure flashlights with fresh batteries are ready
• Generators should only be run outside, never indoors or in enclosed spaces
More tips and preparedness kit ideas can be found at
https://ready.illinois.gov/plan/emergencykit.html
Details of the 1925 tornado can be found in a report by the Illinois State Water Survey, Urbana-Champaign:
https://climateillinois.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/reduced-iswsc-103.pdf
Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): Ready.Illinois.Gov
IEMA-OHS Social Media: X/Twitter | Meta/Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
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Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
During Earthquake Awareness Month
SPRINGFIELD –The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is encouraging everyone in Illinois to practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On! during Earthquake Awareness Month.
“A strong earthquake won’t just affect southern Illinois, but the entire state given its proximity to two major seismic zones—the New Madrid Seismic Zone on the border with Missouri and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone on the border with Indiana,” said Director Alicia Tate Nadeau. “The best way to stay safe during an earthquake is to Drop, Cover, and Hold On! If you practice this regularly, you’ll know exactly what to do during an earthquake because a strong earthquake could easily affect homes and infrastructure throughout Illinois.”
Whether you are in your home, a school classroom, a high-rise or other type of building, it is important to know how to protect yourself during an earthquake. Practice what to do during an earthquake with your family members so you can react automatically when the shaking starts.
If you are indoors, follow these steps to Drop, Cover, and Hold On:
• Drop down to the floor
• Take Cover under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture
• Hold on to that object until the shaking ends
Details on how persons with disabilities can adapt Drop, Cover, and Hold On! to reduce injury or death during an earthquake, can be found here.
Another option for earthquake preparedness is to join the national ShakeOut drill in October where nearly 20 million people across the U.S. practice their earthquake response.
IEMA-OHS also offers disaster preparedness information on the Ready Illinois website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters. For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit
https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/preparedness/earthquake.html.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): Ready.Illinois.Gov
IEMA-OHS Social Media: X/Twitter | Meta/Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
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