June 1, 2014
•Pack a travel-size emergency supply kit with water, snacks, a first-aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, extra batteries and an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers you’d need if disaster strikes. •Pack extra supplies of critical items, such as prescription medications and baby formula, in case your return is delayed by a disaster. •If traveling internationally, register with the U.S. Department of State through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows travelers to enter information about upcoming trips abroad so that the State Department can better assist them in an emergency. •If traveling by car, check the forecast for your entire route before and during your trip. Weather conditions can change drastically, especially if thunderstorms are expected. •Become familiar with the names of the counties you are traveling through because hazardous weather warnings are issued by county. •If you have a newer smartphone, check to ensure the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option is enabled in your ‘Settings’ notification center. This will allow you to receive geographically-targeted, text-like Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages about imminent safety threats in your current location.
‘Late Show with David Letterman’ announcer is ‘voice of reason’ SPRINGFIELD – A voice familiar to many late-night TV fans is now promoting disaster preparedness to radio listeners across Illinois. Alan Kalter, widely known as the “announcer” and for his comedic sketches on “Late Show with David Letterman,” recently recorded two radio spots for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s (IEMA) statewide preparedness campaign. “These new radio spots featuring Alan Kalter are an exciting addition to our Ready Illinois preparedness campaign,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “"His recognizable voice and trademark delivery will capture listeners' attention and help us reach more people with our message about personal disaster preparedness." In 30- and 60-second radio spots, Kalter encourages people to use common sense, especially when planning for disasters. Referring to himself as “the voice of reason,” Kalter stresses the importance of not only having an emergency supply kit and a disaster plan, but also practicing that plan. Both spots direct listeners to the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov) for disaster preparedness information. The new spots started airing recently as part of the Ready Illinois broadcast preparedness campaign, which is aired in cooperation with the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) Public Education Partnership (PEP) program. The spots will air on more than 200 Illinois radio stations. “We’re thrilled Alan agreed to participate in the on-going Ready Illinois campaign promoting emergency preparedness and the Ready Illinois website,” said Dennis Lyle, President and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association. “Kalter provides the listener with just a hint of his trademark sarcasm while delivering a very serious message regarding the use of common sense when it comes to planning emergency preparedness for the home, work, car, and yes, even for pets.” IEMA’s partnership with the IBA’s PEP program also features radio spots recorded by actress Marion Ross of TV’s “Happy Days” fame; TV and radio personality Steve Harvey; the late Larry Lujack and Tommy Edwards (reprising their roles as “Uncle Lar’ and Li’l Tommy” from the WGN ‘Animal Stories’ vignettes); as well as TV spots written and/or produced by Illinois high school and college students. All of the preparedness radio and TV ads can be found on the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov).
IEMA Encourages People to Include Pets “Animal Stories” radio spots to be featured as part of Pet Preparedness Month in May SPRINGFIELD – While every household should have a disaster supply kit stocked with food, water, flashlights and batteries, homes with pets need to take additional steps when planning for disasters. Whether an emergency forces people to seek shelter within the home or evacuate, advanced planning can ensure the safety of pets. Throughout May, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies throughout the state will be working to increase awareness of pet preparedness. “The recent deadly tornadoes across the South are a grim reminder that disasters can happen with little warning,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “The better you’ve prepared in advance for the needs of everyone in your family, including your pets, the better chance you all have of weathering any disaster.” Monken said pet owners should stock a pet preparedness kit with items such as: • At least a three-day supply of food and water As part of pet preparedness month, IEMA and the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) are reintroducing a series of radio spots based on the classic “Animal Stories” vignettes from WLS radio in the 1970s. The humorous spots feature the late Larry Lujack and Tommy Edwards reprising their roles as “Uncle Lar’ and Li’l Tommy” to highlight the importance of pet emergency preparedness. The seven spots were first released in 2012 and played on more than 200 IBA member stations throughout Illinois. The “Animal Stories” pet preparedness spots and additional emergency preparedness information are available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.
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