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Created: 09 October 2014

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

IEMA joins nationwide effort to keep people safe online

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, the Internet is almost always at our fingertips. Combined with computers and laptops in homes, schools and workplaces, it’s easy to see how Americans reportedly spend an average of 23 hours per week online. While the Internet provides almost limitless opportunities, it also creates risks that can range from mere inconveniences to serious threats such as identity theft, harassment and child endangerment.

Throughout October, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is joining with local emergency management agencies to promote National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to increase awareness of online risks and what people can do to prevent problems.

“The Internet is part of our everyday life,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “Mobile devices make it easier than ever to shop, search for information, communicate with friends and family and more. It’s critical that everyone who uses the Internet understands the potential risks and takes steps to protect their personal information.”

Monken said basic tips for staying safe on the Internet include:
• Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone.
• Keep your operating system, browser and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
• Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends and community about Internet safety.
• Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
• Be cautious about what you receive or read online. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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.

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Created: 07 October 2014

Letter-to-the-Editor

“Join October 16 Earthquake Drill: Drop, Cover and Hold On!”

Dear Editor,

 The largest earthquake ever to rattle North America occurred in 1811 in New Madrid, Missouri, near southern Illinois. If a similar quake struck the same spot today - according to a 2008 University of Illinois study - the impact would be catastrophic: 3,500 fatalities, 2.6 million people without electricity, $300 billion in direct economic losses. The region’s hospitals, roads, bridges, fuel pipelines and water infrastructure would be in shambles.
 
 Most of southern Illinois sits atop one of two major fault zones - the New Madrid Seismic Zone and Wabash Valley Seismic Zone - but as recently as 2010, the Sandwich Fault Zone in northern Illinois rumbled. A quake can happen anywhere, at any time.

 That’s why I invite every Illinois resident, school and business to pause on October 16 at 10:16 a.m., to join the “world’s largest earthquake drill”, during which millions of people will practice the life-saving “Drop, Cover and Hold On” procedure.

 The 4th Annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is a grass-roots emergency preparedness drill designed to help residents think about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. The drill focuses on the protective actions we should take when a quake begins:
• “Drop” to the floor;
• take “Cover” under a sturdy desk or table, and
• “Hold On” until the shaking stops.

 You can register for the drill at www.shakeout.org/centralus, where you will find expert advice about earthquake preparedness. It only takes a minute to register online for the Great ShakeOut and just seconds to participate in the drill itself, but the lessons learned could make a life-or-death difference.
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 In recent years, Illinois has been slammed by natural calamities: floods, tornadoes, drought, blizzards. On the state’s preparedness website - www.Ready.Illinois.gov - residents can find tips for emergency planning, such as building a survival kit, creating escape routes and family reunification plans, and caring for pets.

 Last year, 523,000 Illinoisans participated in the Great ShakeOut, the largest emergency drill in our State’s history. Be part of the 2014 ShakeOut. Register today.

Sincerely,

Jonathon Monken
Director
Illinois Emergency Management Agency

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Created: 16 September 2014

Champaign County Emergency Management Agency Named NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has named the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.  The initiative recognizes CCEMA as a NOAA partner in improving the country’s readiness, responsiveness and overall resilience against extreme weather and climate events.  The goal of the program is to unify efforts of government units, nonprofit organizations, academia and private business to mitigate, prepare for and respond to weather related emergencies.

“This recognition builds on the county’s previous designation as a Storm Ready County to emphasize our commitment to being prepared to respond to severe weather events,” said Champaign County EMA coordinator John Dwyer.  “It represents a joint effort with local first responders and the National Weather Service to help residents of the county protect themselves.”

National Weather Service Director Dr. Louis Uccellini has stated the goal of the Weather-Ready Nation endeavor is to assure that communities become better prepared and informed about extreme weather to protect property and, more importantly, lives.

The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency is a unit of the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.

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Created: 03 September 2014

IEMA Encourages People to Plan for Emergencies during National Preparedness Month in September

‘Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare’ is Theme
 
SPRINGFIELD – Disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. To encourage people to be better prepared for emergencies, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies throughout Illinois are joining local, state and federal agencies across the U.S. during September to observe National Preparedness Month. The campaign will conclude on September 30 with ‘America’s PrepareAthon,’ a national day of action.

“Spending just a few minutes today on personal preparedness can help you and your family stay safe when disaster strikes,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “We’re encouraging people to find out what hazards could affect their areas and then take actions to increase their preparedness, such as developing an emergency supply kit and a making a plan for reuniting if the family is separated during a disaster.”

The theme for this year’s preparedness campaign is “Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare.” Each week during the month, the campaign will focus on a different area of preparedness. The weekly themes include:

 Sept. 1-7 – How to reconnect with family after a disaster
 Sept. 8-14 – How to plan for specific needs before a disaster
 Sept. 15-21 – How to build an emergency kit
 Sept. 22-30 – How to practice for an emergency

Throughout September, IEMA will post daily preparedness tips on the Ready Illinois Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ReadyIllinois) and Twitter (@ReadyIllinois). IEMA also maintains the state’s Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov), a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters. 

During disasters, IEMA uses the Ready Illinois website, Facebook and Twitter to provide critical information about the incident, including shelter locations, road closures, safety information, photos and more.