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Created: 21 November 2023

IEMA-OHS Provides Tips for Residents During Winter Weather Preparedness Week, Nov. 6-10

SPRINGFIElD - As many residents in the state have already experienced an early snowfall this year, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) offers readiness tips during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, Nov. 6-10, as part of Winter Weather Preparedness Month this November.

"Winter storms can arrive quickly and with little warning," said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. "Being prepared ensures the safety and well-being of families throughout the season."

Readiness for winter is not just for comfort but for safety and resilience. As temperatures drop, it is important that residents are equipped for snowstorms or extreme cold weather at home or on the road when travel becomes hazardous.

"Each winter season, nearly 29,000 motor vehicles crash in Illinois, producing 4,500 injuries and 80 fatalities," added National Weather Service (NWS) Central Illinois Warning Coordination Meteorologist Ed Shimon.  "That is why it is imperative that people plan ahead and prepare for winter weather impacts."

Following are NWS daily tips for Winter Weather Preparedness Week, with topics ranging from travel safety to weather terminology:

Monday, Nov. 6:  Snow and Snow Safety - How much snow can cause slippery roads, what snow squall conditions entails, common precipitation types in Illinois, etc.    

Tuesday, Nov. 7:  Icy Roads and Ice Safety - Wide ranging impacts of ice storms, potential for power outages in winter cold, etc.

Wednesday, Nov. 8:  Extreme Cold and Wind Chill Safety - Discover how quickly hypothermia can set in, how to recognize the signs of frostbite, pet safety in cold, etc.

Thursday, Nov. 9:  Home Safety and Preparedness - Discover how to winterize your home, prepare for power outages after the storm, snow shoveling safety, etc.

Friday, Nov. 10:  Winter Weather Headlines, Blizzards, and Forecast Challenges — Terminology—knowing the differences between a blizzard warning, winter storm warning, ice storm warning, winter weather advisory; and challenges to forecasting winter weather.

Residents are encouraged to keep a winter storm kit in their vehicles to be prepared with items including:

Cell phone and chargers
Blankets or sleeping bags
Extra clothing
Jumper cables
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Extra water
High-calorie, non-perishable food
For more information about travel preparedness, visit gettingaroundillinois.com.

Residents can find more tips in the IEMA Winter Weather Preparedness Guide,  as well as the Ready Illinois and NWS Winter Prep sites.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): Ready.Illinois.Gov

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Created: 16 October 2023

October 13, 2023

Pritzker Administration on Heightened Alert for Illinois Threats in Wake of Middle East Conflict

At this time, IEMA-OHS and ISP have no actionable intelligence regarding credible threats in Illinois

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East and potential threats here in Illinois. The Governor has been briefed by both agencies and the White House. The Governor instructed both agencies to work closely with law enforcement partners and to be on heightened alert for any threats related to places of worship across the state to protect First Amendment rights and the safety of worshippers.

At this time, there is no actionable intelligence regarding any credible threats in Illinois. However, as always, if members of the public see something, they are encouraged to say something. The public should report suspicious behavior to local law enforcement by calling direct or to 911 depending on the level of the threat.

“As Governor of Illinois, it is my top priority to keep our residents safe and we are closely monitoring any potential threats that may arise,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “While there are currently no credible threats here in Illinois, my administration is operating with heightened vigilance and working closely with IEMA-OHS and the Illinois State Police to keep people safe. Here in Illinois, we reject those who use violence to instill terror and fear and are committed to ensuring our religious institutions and schools remain safe.”

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security has been working closely with partners to address any new emerging issues.

“The unilateral security efforts with all levels of government is critical as we remain vigilant,” said Homeland Security Advisor to Governor J.B. Pritzker and IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Global conflicts have cascading effects within our communities statewide so we remain vigilant here in Illinois.”

“The ISP Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center is aware of terroristic messaging being perpetuated online concerning HAMAS-aligned propaganda and the ‘day of rage,’ said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. “Law enforcement takes these threats very seriously and stand prepared to take appropriate action.”

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): Ready.Illinois.Gov

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Created: 12 September 2023

Strengthening readiness efforts for all Illinois communities during National Preparedness Month

September is the start of National Preparedness Month where the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and our county Emergency Managers are highlighting the importance of all readiness efforts across the state.

"A disaster preparedness kit and immediate access to the best resources to current safety information is so vital especially during an emergency," said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. "Additionally, we must continue to strengthen our communities, including older adults, and inform their caregivers ahead of any disasters."

"Your disaster preparedness kit and communications plan should be designed to support your needs, but also the needs of those who may depend on you such as family, pets, and neighbors" said IEMA-OHS Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director Clayton Kuetemeyer. "While a three-day supply of food, water, and medications are standard needs, everyone should supplement their kits with specific items that could help them during an emergency."

Focusing on our senior community on preparedness (https://ready.illinois.gov/plan/seniors.html), we are aligned with the national campaign, "Take control in 1, 2, 3:"

• 1-Assess your needs: Everyone has unique needs. There are several factors that can affect the steps you need to take to prepare yourself and those you care for. Whether you care for pets, children, or have a medical condition or disability, it is important to know what your family will need to stay safe.
• 2-Make a plan: Once you've assessed your needs, you can plan for what you'd do, where you'd go, and what to bring if a disaster strikes. Your emergency supply kit should include items that meet your individual needs.
• 3-Engage your support network: Get to know your neighbors because they, along with your family and friends, can be a support network before, during and after a disaster by providing emotional and practical support.

Your emergency preparedness kit should at least include these preparedness items:

• 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 or weather radio with extra batteries
• Extra battery packs and cables to charge your cell phones Copies of important family documents stored in a waterproof bag or container
• Cash (small denominations)
• Hand sanitizer/disinfecting wipes

Find the family communications plan brochure in English (https://ready.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ready/sitecollectiondocuments/ihs-family-communication-plan.pdf) and in Spanish (https://ready.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ready/sitecollectiondocuments/ihs-family-communication-plan-spanish.pdf).

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): Ready.Illinois.Gov

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Created: 29 August 2023

Back to school is about emergency preparedness, disaster readiness, and vital digital technology

In the coming days, students across Illinois will venture back into the classroom. That’s why this month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), along with local Emergency Management Agencies, are highlighting resources and tips to help students better prepare for their return to the classroom.

Whether you have a new kindergartener, or are a 5th year super senior in college, there are helpful resources available for students of all ages to keep them safe in the classroom throughout the school year.

“School safety includes being aware of on campus hazards, but we also need to utilize the digital resources available to us,” said Homeland Security Advisor to Governor J.B. Pritzker and IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Safe2HelpIL is an outstanding start in providing a free resource to all students throughout the State of Illinois to help keep them safe.”

“Safe2HelpIL is designed to help school-age children who experience bullying, mental health struggles, or those who see signs of potential drug use or violence in someone else,” said Deputy Homeland Security Advisor and IEMA-OHS Deputy Director of Homeland Security Claire Moravec.

There are several ways that students from elementary through high school can reach out to Safe2Help:

• Call 1-844-4SAFEIL (723345)

• Text SAFE2 (72332) • Online at https://app.safe22helpil.com/

• Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Download the Safe2HelpIL app (Android or iOS)

“Launched in October 2021, Safe2HelpIL is a free, information sharing platform that is available 24/7,” said IEMA-OHS School Safety Policy Advisor Samantha Kanish. “In the absence of a trusted adult, students can use a free app, text/phone, or the website (Safe2HelpIL.com) to share school safety issues in a confidential environment.”

“Parents and guardians also play a crucial role in protecting students,” said Kanish. “As students head back to the classroom, be sure to include emergency preparedness in your back-to-school plans.”

Here are some planning tips for parents to consider:

• Know how your school will contact parents/guardians in the event of an evacuation

• Ensure the school has all of your current emergency contact information on file • Pre-authorize a friend or relative to pick up your children in an emergency

• Teach children with cell phones about ‘Text First, Talk Later.’ Short, simple text messages, such as “R U OK?,” and “I’m OK,” are more likely to get through than a phone call if phone service is disrupted during an emergency. As phone congestion eases, you can follow up with a phone call to relay more information.

For college students, a little planning will help provide extra information before and during an emergency. Almost all colleges/universities utilize a mass notification system that alerts students via email and text messages of potential dangers, severe weather, and other threats. Encourage your college student to sign-up for such alerts which typically supplement the public alert warnings delivered across campus via loudspeakers or on public display boards.

Several colleges go one step further, providing alert messages for parents/guardians, so they also are aware of potential dangers on campus. As always, make sure your student knows the emergency plans for their dorm or apartment building.