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Created: 20 July 2018

Be Prepared: Radiation Safety

IEMA Programs Protect People from Radiation Hazards

SPRINGFIELD – While the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is widely recognized for its efforts in emergency preparedness and response to events such as floods, tornadoes and blizzards, the agency also administers more than two dozen nuclear and radiation safety programs that help protect public health and safety and the environment by preventing unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation, whether naturally-occurring or man-made.

Licensing
Each day in Illinois, thousands of people undergo medical procedures involving x-rays or radioactive materials.  These diagnostic or therapeutic procedures are often critical for saving lives.  Yet the radiation used can be harmful if equipment isn’t functioning properly or personnel aren’t adequately trained on the machines or in administering radioactive materials.  IEMA works to ensure that these procedures are safe by licensing and inspecting more than 600 radioactive materials licensees and 34,500 radiation-producing machines, 350 mammography facilities and accrediting more than 14,000 medical radiological technologists.

Awareness
IEMA also promotes awareness of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil throughout Illinois.  Radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer, can seep into homes through tiny cracks in the foundation, around sump pumps and other avenues.  Because radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, the only way to know if your home has high levels is to conduct a test.  Residents can buy radon test kits and conduct the test themselves or hire a radon measurement professional.  IEMA licenses radon measurement and mitigation professionals to ensure they have the right knowledge and skills for the job.

Nuclear Power
With 11 operating nuclear power reactors at six sites, Illinois is home to the most commercial nuclear power of any state in the U.S.; therefore, nuclear safety is a top priority for the state of Illinois.  IEMA maintains a robust remote monitoring system around each of the reactors.  It is an advanced, integrated, computer-based system that continually monitors selected plant operational parameters and is capable of identifying and measuring the presence of radioactive materials in the surrounding environment.  IEMA also collects a variety of sample types in the environs of each nuclear power station that are analyzed in IEMA’s radiochemistry laboratory.  All of this information is analyzed by experts and can be used to develop protective action recommendations for the public following an incident.

A comprehensive emergency plan, known as the Illinois Plan for Radiological Accidents, has been developed for each of the six operating plants.  The plan details actions local and state response organizations will take to protect the public during a nuclear power plant incident. The plan for each plant is practiced every two years through a graded exercise evaluated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

People who live within a 10-mile radius of each nuclear power plant, known as an Emergency Planning Zone, receive information each year from owner of the nuclear power stations containing information about their local plants and emergency information, such as evacuation routes and radio stations that will broadcast emergency instructions during an incident.

For more information about IEMA’s radiation safety programs, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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Created: 06 June 2018

Make Safety a Priority this Summer 

IEMA encourages families to prepare for extreme heat, severe weather, and more
 

SPRINGFIELD – As the end of the school year approaches, and families begin to plan their annual summer vacations, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is reminding Illinois residents that with the right tools and a little preparation, summertime can be safe, fun, and relaxing.

Each year in the U.S., an average of 37 children die from heatstroke after being left in locked cars. Heat can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults. Parents should develop a routine that will ensure the backseat is always checked before the car is locked, such as putting a purse, cell phone or other needed item in the back seat or consider opening the car’s back door every time the car is parked.

Summer’s extreme heat can also lead to heat-induced illnesses, including heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Remember to check in on family, friends, neighbors, the elderly and pets to ensure they are safe.  When extreme heat strikes, limit your time outdoors, seek air conditioning and drink plenty of water.  If your home does not have air conditioning, you should familiarize yourself with your community’s cooling centers.

Warmer temperatures also bring an additional threat for severe weather.  The month of June is home to National Lightning Safety Awareness Week.  This is a great time for families to learn how to reduce their risk while enjoying the great outdoors.  Remember, if you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose an immediate threat.  Seek shelter as quickly as possible because no place outside is safe when a thunderstorm strikes.

The best way to protect you and your family is to monitor the weather when planning or attending outdoor events.  It is critical for people to have multiple ways to receive notifications and updated information about severe weather warnings. 

“Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, taking in a ballgame, or traveling away from home, severe weather can strike at any time so it is important that you are aware of your surroundings,” said Acting Director William Robertson.  “There are a variety of ways you can be alerted to critical, lifesaving information, no matter where you may be – including: NOAA weather radios, weather apps for your smart phone, television and radio broadcasts, the internet, and outdoor warning sirens.”

For more information on how to plan and prepare for an emergency, including a list of state and local resources, check out our website at www.ready.illinois.gov.

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Created: 23 May 2018

IEMA Releases New Broadcast Campaign Focusing
on Functional Needs Emergency Preparedness

TV, Radio Spots Feature Sports Announcer Jason Benetti

SPRINGFIELD – Personal preparedness for emergencies is important for everyone, particularly households with members who have disabilities, functional needs or may need assistance during an emergency. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) recently launched a new broadcast campaign to encourage people and caregivers to develop plans and assemble emergency supply kits to help them stay safe and well when disaster strikes.

The new TV and radio spots feature White Sox announcer Jason Benetti.

“These radio and TV spots are an exciting addition to our Ready Illinois preparedness campaign,” said IEMA Acting Director William P. Robertson. “Emergency preparedness is important for everyone, especially people with a disability or functional need. We appreciate Jason’s willingness to support our efforts to help people be better prepared for the unexpected.”

The spots direct listeners to the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov) for information on developing an emergency plan and building an emergency supply kit for people with cognitive, mobility or visual disabilities, those with mental health or substance abuse issues, people who are deaf or have hearing loss, seniors, people with service animals, and those who use life support systems.

“I'm glad to be able to assist in the creation of this campaign,” Benetti said. “Making sure every American is well-informed in case of emergency is an extremely worthy undertaking. The Illinois Broadcasters Association and IEMA deserve a great deal of credit for this initiative.”

The new spots are airing 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 are airing on more than 200 Illinois radio stations and more than 30 Illinois TV stations.

“We greatly appreciate Jason’s personal support for this latest IEMA radio and TV campaign and the support of IBA-member WGN-TV in producing this latest PEP campaign for IEMA,” said IBA President and CEO Dennis Lyle. “We applaud IEMA for once again allowing the important message of emergency preparedness to be presented in such a creative manner.”

IEMA’s partnership with the IBA’s PEP program have included radio campaigns recorded by actress Marion Ross of TV’s “Happy Days” fame; TV and radio personality Steve Harvey; the late Larry Lujack and now retired radio sidekick Tommy Edwards (reprising their roles as “Uncle Lar’ and Li’l Tommy” from the WLS ‘Animal Stories’ vignettes); Alan Kalter, formerly of “The Late Show with David Letterman;” and 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). 

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Created: 11 May 2018

SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Illinois

SBA representatives at the Centers can provide information about disaster loans, answer questions and help businesses and residents in completing the SBA application. These Centers are located in the following communities and are open as indicated:

SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs)

Iroquois County
Watseka Union Depot
121 South 2nd Street
Watseka, IL 60970
Opening: Sat., May 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sun., May 13
Hours: Mon – Thu, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closing: Fri., May 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kankakee County
Aroma Fire Station #1
307 S. Bridge Street
Aroma Park, IL 60910
Opening: Sat., May 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sun., May 13
Hours: Mon – Thu, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closing: Fri., May 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vermilion County
Vermilion County Administrative Building
201 N. Vermilion Street
Danville, IL 61832
Opening: Sat., May 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sun., May 13
Hours: Mon – Thu, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closing: Fri., May 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The declaration covers Iroquois, Kankakee and Vermilion counties and the adjacent counties of Champaign, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Grundy, Livingston and Will in Illinois; and Benton, Lake, Newton, Vermillion and Warren in Indiana.

“The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of Illinois with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans,” said SBA Administrator Linda McMahon. “Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

“Businesses and private nonprofit 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,” said SBA’s Illinois District Director Robert Steiner.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

“Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property,” said Richard Morgan, acting director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 3.58 percent for businesses, 2.5 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amount and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at Disasterloan.sba.gov.

Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be returned to a center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 6, 2018. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 7, 2019.

For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, visit our website at www.sba.gov/disaster