February is Earthquake Preparedness Month in Illinois
February 04, 2020
SPRINGFIELD, IL – While some hazards such as storms, tornadoes and floods can be forecasted in order to provide advance noticed to residents in an area of danger, other hazards such as earthquakes cannot be predicted. Recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are perfect examples that earthquakes can happen anywhere and at any time, including while you are at work, at home or on vacation. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that 500,000 detectable earthquakes occur in the world each year. The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) locates about 20,000 earthquakes each year, or about 55 earthquakes each day.
Records indicate Illinois, and several other states in the central United States, experienced some of the largest earthquakes ever measured in North America. In recognition of the earthquake risk still posed today by the New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies will promote earthquake preparedness throughout February.
“Creating an environment of education, awareness and preparedness will save lives in Illinois,” said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Acting Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “While we cannot predict when the next major quake will occur, we can help people learn how to protect themselves and reduce damage to their homes.”
Learning how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” can help people prevent injury during an earthquake. The phrase reminds people to drop down to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture, and hold on to that object and be prepared to move with it until the shaking ends. Most casualties result from falling objects and debris caused by the earth shaking.
There are several steps people can take to help prevent injuries and property damage at home, including:
•Strapping water heaters and large appliances to wall studs •Anchoring overhead light fixtures •Fastening shelves to wall studs and securing cabinet doors with latches •Strapping TVs, computers and other heavy equipment to prevent tipping •Learning how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged
Each year the Illinois Emergency Management Agency leads an initiative to register homes, businesses, schools and organizations in the world’s largest earthquake drill. This year’s earthquake drill will take place on Thursday, October 15 at 10:15 a.m. It’s never too early to register your participation in this potentially life-saving event. Register today at www.shakeout.org.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign outdoor warning sirens to be upgraded and tested between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, February 4-5th.
Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) is advising people not to be alarmed if they hear one of the area’s emergency sirens sound next week during periods of calm weather. All 39 sirens will be impacted as part of an upgrade to the siren system for the Champaign-Urbana, Savoy, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign areas. This upgrade includes modernizing the system from analog to digital communications and for the automatic activation of the sirens in the tornado warning area issued by the National Weather service.
The warning siren contractor, Braniff Communications, will evaluate the system as it activates each of the sirens individually. Audible testing will occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, January 27th-31st.
CCEMA reminds residents that outdoor warning sirens are activated for the purpose of alerting people who are outdoors that a tornado warning has been issued for the affected area. When the steady tone of an outdoor warning siren is heard during severe weather, it is imperative to find shelter immediately. CCEMA also encourages residents to monitor a local media outlet, NOAA Weather Radio or the National Weather Service website in the case of inclement weather.
Details
C-U, Savoy, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign outdoor warning sirens to be upgraded and tested between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, January 27th-31st.
Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) is advising people not to be alarmed if they hear one of the area’s emergency sirens sound next week during periods of calm weather. All 39 sirens will be impacted as part of an upgrade to the siren system for the Champaign-Urbana, Savoy, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign areas. This upgrade includes modernizing the system from analog to digital communications and for the automatic activation of the sirens in the tornado warning area issued by the National Weather service.
The warning siren contractor, Braniff Communications, will evaluate the system as it activates each of the sirens individually. Audible testing will occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, January 27th-31st.
CCEMA reminds residents that outdoor warning sirens are activated for the purpose of alerting people who are outdoors that a tornado warning has been issued for the affected area. When the steady tone of an outdoor warning siren is heard during severe weather, it is imperative to find shelter immediately. CCEMA also encourages residents to monitor a local media outlet, NOAA Weather Radio or the National Weather Service website in the case of inclement weather.
Details
January is ‘Radon Action Month’ in Illinois
Statewide Radon Poster and Video Contests Now Accepting Entries
SPRINGFIELD – Cold weather might put a damper on outdoor activities, but according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) it is a great time to test your home for cancer-causing radon gas that has been found in nearly 40 percent of Illinois homes tested. IEMA is encouraging people to test for radon during Radon Action Month in January.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is naturally produced from the soil. It can enter homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pumps or soil in crawlspaces. Statistics show radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. An estimated 1,200 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. “Radon related health risks are preventable,” said Acting IEMA Director, Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Radon can be detected with a simple test and mitigated through well-established techniques. With greater awareness we can save lives.”
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is announcing several initiatives this January to increase public awareness of radon risks and ways to reduce radon exposure.
Illinois Radon Poster Contest
Today, IEMA and American Lung Association in Illinois (ALAIL) kicked off its annual statewide contest that encourages Illinois school students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness. The Illinois Radon Poster Contest is open to students ages 9-14. Entries are due by March 6. Prizes include $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. For more information about the poster contest, visit the American Lung Association in Illinois (ALAIL) website.
Illinois Radon Video Contest
High school students can also compete for prizes by participating in the Illinois Radon Video Contest. This contest requires students to produce a creative 30-second YouTube video about radon. An individual student, group of students or classroom, can create videos. Student prizes include $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, $500 for third place and $250 for seven honorable mention videos. The winning video will be featured on the big screen in local movie theaters throughout the state.
Also new this year, participants can pre-register for the 2020 video contest before January 31 for a chance to win a free short-term test kit. All videos, entry forms and release forms must be submitted by March 13. Details about the video contest are available on the American Lung Association in Illinois (ALAIL) website.
Most Views Contest
IEMA and ALAIL also created a contest that will reward a students’ marketing and outreach skills. The top 10 submitted videos will be provided a link to share with their friends. At the end of contest, the student with the most video views will receive an additional $300. Additionally, the schools of the top three winners will receive $300, $200 and $100 for first, second and third places, respectively.
Twitter Contest
New this year, all students are being encouraged to share their video submission on their Twitter account using the hashtag #2020ILRadonVideoContest. The tweet(s) with the most likes and most retweets will win a brand new GoPro. The twitter contest will run March 13-March 27.
“The goal of our Radon Action Month outreach activities is to get people to test their homes. Our youth does a great job of utilizing YouTube and social media platforms in their regular lives to share important and relevant information. We want them to do the same with radon,” said Kallie Sinkus with the American Lung Association of Illinois.
All contest prizes are funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. IEMA, ALAIL and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 sponsor both contests.
For more information about radon, visit IEMA’s radon website at www.radon.illinois.gov. The website includes useful information about radon and lists of licensed measurement and mitigation professionals. Information is also available through IEMA’s Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.
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IEMA Highlights Holiday Safety in December
Tips offered for shopping, travel, winter heating and more
SPRINGFIELD – With the holiday season in full swing, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is offering tips to help people stay safe now and into the new year. From decorating the tree to traveling to grandma’s house with a sleigh full of new toys, be sure to take simple steps to keep your family safe.
Holiday Decorating
Whether decorating for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or New Year’s Eve, candles and strings of colored lights create a festive atmosphere but it’s important to be careful when using them. Candles should never be left unattended, and placed far away from flammable materials. Candles should also be placed on stable furniture in fire-safe holders that will catch dripping wax. Holiday lights and electrical decorations should bear the name of an independent testing lab to prove they were safety tested.
Winter Heating
While the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, be sure that your fireplace is ready for the winter heating season. Chimneys, fireplaces and wood and coal stoves should be regularly inspected and cleaned when necessary. Additionally, furnaces should be checked every year by professionals to ensure mechanical parts are functioning properly and that nothing is blocking the flue. Malfunctioning furnaces increase both the fire and carbon monoxide risks.
Under Illinois law, homes should be equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of each sleeping area. The detectors should be tested monthly to ensure they’re functioning and the batteries are still good. Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or attached garage because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Holiday Shopping
Safety Whether shopping online or in the store, be sure to utilize smart shopping techniques this holiday season. If shopping online, connect with care. Make sure your home wireless network is password protected, and set strong passwords that make it hard for cyber criminals to guess. Also, remember the old adage, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. During the holidays, scammers may send fake emails requiring you to click a link for a special offer. Shop online through trusted retailers to avoid these scams, and do not click on links from unknown senders.
Holiday Travel
When traveling over the river and through the woods, whether by car, train or plane, be sure to utilize smart travel tips.
If traveling by car, remember to pack an emergency supply kit with essentials for all your passengers. Fill out an emergency communications plan and let your in case of emergency (ICE) contact know your plan. Also, before you hit the road, check local road conditions and avoid traveling during winter storms.
If traveling by plane for the holidays, be sure to review the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security screening tips. When packing for your flights, consider a small emergency kit that includes a flashlight and spare USB power bank.
