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IEMA, ISFM, IDOL, and National Weather Service team up with Winter Weather Preparedness Tips

SPRINGFIELD – Whether you’re at work, commuting, or at home, being ready for harsh, frigid storms can lead comfort and even survival. November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month, and Nov. 7-11 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week. The week will culminate in a social media contest for Illinois residents.

“This is the ideal time to get ready for snow, ice, and brutal cold because Illinois weather can be pleasant one day, and a winter storm the next day,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.

“Each winter season, nearly 29,000 vehicle crashes occur in Illinois, producing 4,500 injuries and 80 fatalities. That is why it is imperative that people plan ahead and prepare for winter weather impacts,” added National Weather Service (NWS) Central Illinois Warning Coordination Meteorologist Edward Shimon. State agencies have winter weather advice for people in the home and those at work, and the NWS has broken down preparedness topics to make it easy to prepare.

“Cold winter temperatures mean some Illinoisans will be using supplemental heating devices such as space heaters to stay warm. It’s important to follow the manufactures instructions, only use devices with an automatic shut off, and keep heating devices at least 3 feet from anything that can burn,” said Acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson. “It’s important to check your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors monthly to ensure they are working. If you need to use a generator during a power outage, only use them outdoors and away from windows.”

“Many frontline workers in Illinois are called upon to perform their duties in winter weather, facing environmental cold and other dangers and potentially putting their lives at risk. It is critical for employers and employees alike to prepare ahead of time and make winter safety a priority to minimize risks associated with winter weather hazards,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “Employers should ensure that individuals who work outdoors, from baggage handlers to construction workers, know the risk factors and warning signs of cold stress.”

Illinois is vulnerable to severe winter weather. The greatest snowfall on record from a single storm was 27.9 inches measured near Waukegan in Lake County, from January 3-5, 2015. Average annual snowfall ranges from 37 inches of snow in Rockford and Chicago, to as little as 6 to 10 inches at the southern tip of Illinois.

The NWS recommends that you spend time each day next week to learn more about one aspect of winter weather preparedness:

Monday, Nov. 7: Terminology—knowing the differences between a blizzard warning, winter storm warning, ice storm warning, winter weather advisory, etc.

Tuesday, Nov. 8: Ice and ice safety – Wide ranging impacts of ice storms, potential for power outages in winter cold, etc.

Wednesday, Nov. 9: Snow and snow safety – How much snow can cause slippery roads, what blizzard conditions entails, etc.

Thursday, Nov. 10: Extreme cold and wind chill safety – Discover how quickly hypothermia can set in, how to recognize the signs of frostbite, etc.

Friday, Nov. 11: Travel—having a plan and getting information (gettingaroundillinois.com), vehicle preparedness for both optimal operation and a winter storm kit if stranded: Cell phone and charger Blankets or sleeping bags Extra clothing Jumper cables Flashlight Extra batteries Extra water High-calorie, non-perishable food

View more winter preparedness tips.

On Friday, Nov. 11, IEMA is asking residents to “Show Us Your Trunk.” On that day, IEMA will share social media posts of photos of residents who have prepared a winter weather emergency bag for their vehicles. Two winners will be given NOAA weather radios, which will give those residents a direct link to the latest weather information.

More information on winter weather preparedness can be found on IEMA's website or at NWS.

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​October Is Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber criminals want to “trick to click”

SPRINGFIELD – Every day, more companies, organizations, and individuals fall victim to cyber criminals who want access to bank accounts, personal information, or proprietary information to blackmail information owners. 
 
“Each one of us needs to learn our technological vulnerabilities so we can click with confidence,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Review your use of digital devices and information during this Cyber Security Awareness Month so you won’t be tricked into clicking on a deceptive link or email.”
 
Since 2004, October has been designated as Cyber Security Awareness Month. IEMA offers these tips to better secure your data:
 
  • Choose long, complicated, and different passwords for each application
  • Use multi-factor authentication
  • Regularly update computer software
  • Use a critical eye on all emails
  • If something looks strange, don’t click it and immediately report any phishing attempts
“Bad actors may try to entice you into clicking on an email by posing as your employer’s human resources office, information technology (IT) staff, banking or credit card representatives, or even your boss,” explained Tate-Nadeau. “We recommend that you carefully review every email, including the sender’s email address and writing style, before clicking on anything.”
 
More information can be found on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is the federal government agency that monitors cyber security: https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-safety
 
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Illinois.gov 
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Build an Emergency Kit for National Preparedness Month

SPRINGFIELD – “If you want to be fully prepared for a disaster, you need an emergency kit.” That’s the message this September for National Preparedness Month. Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau wants everyone to review their family emergency plans, fill out a family communications plan, and build an emergency kit. Tate-Nadeau said, “It could be a matter of life or death because if you need to evacuate within minutes, you will need that kit packed and ready to go.”

 

While some items recommended for an emergency kit seem obvious, like water and non-perishable food, others might not be top of mind during an urgent evacuation order. “Some of the items that families find critical in a disaster are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, important documents like Social Security cards or insurance policies, cash, or personal care supplies like contact lenses and cleaners,” she said.  

 

The general preparedness items include:

Water (one gallon per person per day for three days)
Non-perishable food (three-day supply or ready-to-eat canned or other foods that require no refrigeration or cooking, non-electric can opener, utility knife)
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit
Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
Extra battery/external charger for cell phone
Copies of important family documents stored in a waterproof bag or container, cash
Face coverings for all family members
Hand sanitizer/disinfecting wipes

View the family communications plan brochures. English - Spanish

 

The full emergency supply checklist can be found here.

 

Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Illinois.gov

 

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 Champaign Co Search & Rescue

10th Anniversary

Join us in celebrating our Search and Rescue Team's 10th anniversary! We will have refreshments, games, giveaways, and more!
When: September 24th, 2022 10am-1pm
Where: ILEAS Training Center 1701 E Main St
 
 
 

 

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Back-to-School Is Time to Review Emergency Preparedness Plans

SPRINGFIELD – As millions of children and college students go back to school this month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) recommends that all families review their own emergency preparedness plans and school safety plans. Whether your children are in school, on a bus, at music practice, or with their traveling sports league teams, planning and shared information is critical.
“Severe weather and other emergencies can happen at any time,” said IEMA Deputy Director Scott Swinford. “Parents should especially discuss with their children where to go for shelter, who to communicate with, and how to communicate with them during an emergency.”
Here are some tips to better prepare for the upcoming school year:
- Teach children with cell phones about “Text First, Talk Later.” The “IM OK” text message gets through phone congestion easier than phone calls do.
- Explain the basics of weather preparedness for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, fire evacuation, flash flooding, etc.
- Make a family communications plan.
- Update your emergency contact information on file at your child’s school.
- Consider adding a relative or trusted friend to the school’s information file as they may
have to pick your kids up during an emergency.
- Fill out a backpack emergency card for your student’s backpack and your wallet.
- Learn more about school plans for disaster or emergency reunification.
- Encourage young students to take emergency drills seriously and ask questions to help them remember what to do.
- Encourage any college student to make a disaster preparedness kit.
- Speak to college students about ensuring that they are signed up for weather alerts and
opt-in alert warning services at college.
- Download and discuss the free Safe2Help Illinois helpline and app.
 
More tips can be on our website at Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/Pages/default.aspx
  1. July is Extreme Heat Safety Month
  2. 2022 April is Hazmat
  3. 2022 Radon Action month
  4. Champaign County Broadband Plan

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