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Details: Created on Friday, 13 December 2013 10:06

Governor Quinn Extendes Tax Filing

and Payment Deadlines for Businesses

and Individuals Impacted by Tornadoes

Deadlines Pushed to May 31, 2014

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today announced that residents affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes will now have until May 31, 2014 to file any tax returns due on or after Nov. 15. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s commitment to help rebuild every community impacted by the deadly storms.

"Communities across Illinois should focus on recovery—not deadlines—following the recent severe storms that have devastated so many people," Governor Quinn said. "We want to give families and businesses as much time as they need to get back on their feet."

The extended deadline will help individuals and local businesses, such as hardware stores, struggling to meet customer needs while cleaning up after the storms. They will now be able to focus on their customers and will have extra time to file and pay the sales taxes they collect. Individuals and businesses who normally file quarterly returns won’t have the pressure to file those returns or payments while trying to recover from the tornadoes. Distributors driving through damaged areas to get motor fuel to gas stations will have extra time to pay the taxes they owe to Illinois.

Taxpayers should file or pay as soon as possible. If filing paper forms by mail, they should write "Tornado – November 2013" in red on the outside of their envelope and on the top of the tax return. To quickly and easily claim disaster relief through MyTax Illinois, log in to your MyTax Illinois account, navigate to the account for which you wish to claim disaster relief, and click "Claim Disaster Relief" under "Account Maintenance" in the left sidebar. Complete the online disaster relief claim request and submit it.

Electronic filers, those who do not mail tax documents and who do not use MyTax Illinois, should notify the department by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Affected taxpayers should include their name, account identification number, tax period that is affected,

and a brief explanation of why they will be late, along with an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay. Additional information can be found by visiting Tax.Illinois.gov.

Last month President Obama approved the Governor’s request for federal assistance to help people and businesses in 15 Illinois counties recover from at least 24 tornadoes that were reported on Nov. 17. The request detailed the severe impact the storms had on communities across the state, including damage to at least 2,441 homes, almost 1,000 of which that are uninhabitable.

The approval came just one day after Governor Quinn submitted his request for Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties.

Anyone affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes and severe storms is encouraged to register for federal assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the assistance program, has a toll-free telephone number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) (for hearing and speech impaired) to apply for assistance. Registration also can be done online at disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. The deadline to register for federal disaster aid is Jan. 27, 2014.

Details: Created on Tuesday, 10 December 2013 14:43

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Rantoul

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be opening at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 in Rantoul to serve homeowners, renters and business owners who were affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration, state and local agencies and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

Champaign County

Rantoul Recreation Building

100 East Flessner Ave.

Rantoul, IL 61866

Regular hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week, until further notice

Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339)

Details: Created on Tuesday, 26 November 2013 20:58

Residents Can Immediately Begin Registration for Grants and Low-Interest Loans; Businesses Can Apply for Low-Interest Loans

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today announced President Barack Obama has approved his request for federal assistance to help people and businesses in 15 Illinois counties recover from the Nov. 17 deadly tornadoes. The announcement comes just one day after Governor Quinn submitted his request for Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties. Since Nov. 17, Illinois’ emergency management officials have worked around-the-clock to expedite the federal request and direct aid into the communities as quickly as possible.”

“Just days before Thanksgiving, this is good news for thousands of people in Illinois who have suffered so much,” Governor Quinn said. “I thank President Obama for his swift approval that will bring much-needed federal relief to those who desperately need it in the wake of these deadly storms. I encourage everyone who suffered damage or loss from the Nov. 17 tornadoes to register for grants and low-interest loans that will help them rebuild their lives.”

On Monday, Governor Quinn submitted a request for federal aid to President Obama to help tornado survivors recover from the disaster. At least 24 tornadoes were reported on Nov. 17. The request detailed the severe impact the storms had on communities across the state, including damage to at least 2,441 homes, almost 1,000 of which that are uninhabitable.

“We will begin working immediately with the federal government to ensure tornado victims can get needed help as quickly as possible,” Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency said.

Anyone impacted by the Nov. 17 tornadoes should register for the grants and low-interest loans they may be eligible for. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the assistance program, has a toll-free telephone number (1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired) for victims to apply for assistance. Registration can also be done online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Available assistance to people and businesses in the 15 approved counties affected by the Nov. 17 storms includes:

Grants of up to $32,400 to help with disaster-related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance and other aid programs, such as replacement of personal property, and transportation, medical, dental and funeral expenses.
Low-interest loans for up to $200,000 for homeowners to cover uninsured property losses, including repair or replacement of homes, vehicles, clothing or other damaged personal property. Renters and homeowners can receive loans of up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property, such as clothing, furniture, appliances, vehicles, etc.
Crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid and assistance with income tax, Social Security and veteran’s benefits.
Businesses and private not-for-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Loans are also available to some businesses for economic losses.

The Governor is committed to helping communities across Illinois recover following the deadly storms on Nov. 17. For more information about disaster recovery resources, including shelters and ways to help tornado survivors, visit www.ready.illinois.gov.

Details: Created on Friday, 01 November 2013 16:46

IEMA, National Weather Service Encourage

People to Prepare for Winter Weather

November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Frosty temperatures have already destroyed the blooms on many summer plants, a sure sign that winter weather isn’t far away. While it’s not yet time to start shoveling snow, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are encouraging people to begin preparing now for extreme cold, snow and ice.

IEMA and the NWS will highlight winter weather preparedness throughout November as part of their annual Winter Weather Preparedness campaign.

“In Illinois, it’s a question of when snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures will hit, not if they will occur,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “Getting caught unprepared may not be just inconvenient, it could be dangerous. Now’s the time to take a few minutes to put together your home and vehicle emergency supply kits and review the steps you should take to stay safe during hazardous winter weather.”

According to the NWS, there were eight deaths related to extreme cold temperatures nationwide in calendar year 2012. That number is significantly lower than the 10-year national average of 27 fatalities. All of the 2012 cold-related fatalities occurred outdoors, including three deaths in Illinois.

Since 1995, 134 fatalities related to cold temperatures have occurred in Illinois, making it the second-leading cause of weather-related deaths in Illinois in the past 18 years.

“There are several dangerous health conditions that can occur in winter weather,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “It’s important to watch for signs of being too cold or over exertion. Hypothermia, when a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, can occur both outdoors and indoors and can be fatal. Frostbite, when skin becomes stiff and numb, can cause tissue damage. And watch for signs of over exertion, such as chest pain, when shoveling snow. Know the warning signs of dangerous cold weather health conditions in order to stay safe and healthy during the winter.”

To help Illinois residents prepare for winter, IEMA, the NWS and the American Red Cross developed a winter weather preparedness guide that covers winter weather terms and tips for staying safe at home, in the car and at school. The guide is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov or by calling 217-785-9925.

“Preparing well in advance of winter weather is really the best way to cope when snow, ice and cold temperatures affect us,” said Chris Miller, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the NWS office in Lincoln. “Now is the time to prepare your vehicle and house for winter conditions. Make sure you have blankets, non-perishable food, boots, extra clothing and other items in your car to ride out the storm in case you are stranded or waiting for a tow. At home, make sure you have enough essential items to ride out a storm, in some cases without power, for three days at the very least.”

For more information about winter weather preparedness, including the Weathering Winter guide from the Illinois Department of Public Health, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

Details: Created on Thursday, 03 October 2013 08:29

October 2, 2013

Cyber safety section on Ready Illinois website offers online safety information
for home, businesses and children

SPRINGFIELD – Whether through a computer at home, school or work, or with a mobile device, millions of Americans access the Internet each day. The Internet provides almost limitless opportunities while creating risks that can range from mere inconveniences to serious threats such as identity theft and child safety.

Throughout October, which is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will highlight cyber safety to help people understand online risks and what they can do to prevent problems.

“The Internet is part of our everyday life,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “With the click of a mouse, we can make purchases, communicate with friends and family around the world and perform a myriad of business functions. We want people to understand how to protect their computer, personal information, business operations and, most importantly, their children from cyber risks.”

Monken said the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov) includes a cyber safety section that provides information and links to dozens of resources for the safe use of computers and the Internet at home and businesses, as well as guidance for parents and children about online safety.

The site also offers information technology (IT) “Best Practices,” including an IT policy template, sample policies and guidance on how to avoid risks associated with the storage of information on photocopiers, fax machines and printers.

Online shopping is just one of the many uses of the Internet that is rapidly growing in popularity. U.S. online retail sales are estimated to top $252 billion in 2013. While shopping on the Internet is convenient, it’s important to ensure your computer has the latest security software, web browsers and operating system to provide the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats.

Other tips for protecting yourself while shopping online include:

Check out sellers in advance to ensure they are reputable. Search for online reviews of the merchant and note phone numbers and physical addresses of vendors in case you have a problem with your transaction or billing.
Make sure the site is legitimate before you enter your personal and financial information. Look for a closed padlock on your web browser’s address bar or a URL address that begins with shttp or https. This indicates the purchase is encrypted or secured.
Use safe payment options. Credit cards are generally the safest option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the issuer if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered.
Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description, price, online receipt, terms of the sale and copies of any email exchange with the seller.
Turn your computer off when you’re finished shopping or when it’s not in use. Leaving your computer on gives scammers 24/7 access to your computer to install malware and commit cyber crimes.

For more online safety tips, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov. In addition to cyber safety information, the website is a one-stop location for information about disaster preparedness, what to do during a disaster and steps for recovery after a disaster.