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Created on Monday, 13 May 2019 10:14

IEMA Warns Recent Rains May Lead to Additional Flooding in Illinois

River levels expected to rise along parts of the Mississippi River and its tributaries

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The National Weather Service is forecasting another round of showers and thunderstorms that will bring additional precipitation to Illinois.  This precipitation could lead to urban and flash flooding, as well as further aggravate already swollen rivers, creeks throughout our state.  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency would like to take this time to remind residents that good preparation and knowing what to do in a flood can increase chances of survival when flooding occurs in your area. 

“Much of our state is under a flash flood watch because of current and predicted rainfall,” said Acting IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.  “Heavy rains carry significant risks to families and their homes. Do not let your guard down when it comes to spring flooding.  Be aware of the flood risks in your neighborhood and know the steps to take to keep your family safe in the event of an emergency.”

Flood preparedness tips include:

•STAY INFORMED: Learn things you can do now to stay safe from flooding due to large storms. It's important to stay informed about what is happening with the storm as it approaches and always follow the instructions of local emergency management officials. NOAA Weather Alert Radios provide critical information in a timely manner on storms, hazards and emergencies.

•TAKE PHOTOS: If you have contents coverage on your flood insurance policy and you haven't already done so, take photos of clothing, flooring, light fixtures, appliances, furniture, etc.--anything that could be damaged by the flood. Having this can help if you file a flood insurance claim later. If you're not sure what your flood insurance policy covers, call your insurance agent.

•REDUCE FLOODING RISKS:◦Make sure your sump pump is working. Then, install a battery-operated backup in case of power failure.
◦Install a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
◦Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
◦Raise and anchor service equipment and appliances (air conditioning units, water heaters, heat pumps, water meters) onto platforms so they are at least one foot above potential flood waters.

•PROTECT VALUABLE DOCUMENTS: Store copies of irreplaceable documents (such as birth certificates, passports, insurance documents, deeds, etc.) in a safe, dry place. It can also be a good idea to photograph these documents and store the images in a safe place, too.

•PREPARE YOUR FAMILY: Develop a family emergency plan and review it with all family members. Visit Ready.Illinois.gov for step by step instructions on how to prepare for, survive and rebuild after any storm or emergency.

•BE READY TO EVACUATE: Plan and practice a flood evacuation route. Ask someone out of state to be your “family contact” in an emergency, and make sure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number.

•PLAN FOR PETS AND ANIMALS: Make a pet and animal plan. Many shelters do not allow pets. Make plans now on what to do with your pets if you are required to evacuate your residence.

•CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE: A flood insurance policy could protect you from the devastating expenses caused by flooding. Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. A flood policy takes 30 days to go into effect from application to payment, so taking action before a storm is recommended. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) protects policyholders financially even if they live in an area that did not qualify for federal disaster assistance. In fact, statistics show, insured survivors are able to recover quicker and more fully from a flood or other catastrophic event than their uninsured neighbors.

Another important safety tips during a flood is, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” which is intended to remind people to never drive on a flooded road. Most flood-related fatalities involve people in vehicles attempting to drive through a road covered with water. The speed and depth of the water is not always obvious, and as little as two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.

For more information about flood preparedness, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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Created on Wednesday, 10 April 2019 16:41

IEMA highlights Recovery Preparedness Month

April is Recovery Preparedness Month

SPRINGFIELD -- Mother Nature does not discriminate when it comes to severe weather.  Countless residents throughout our state have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency.  In these stressful situations, having access to personal finance, insurance, medical and other records is critical for starting the recovery process.

"As severe weather and river flooding threatens our communities, it’simportant for all Illinoisans to take action now, before a disaster," said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Acting Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).  "When a disaster strikes, your immediate focus will beon the safety of your loved ones.  Building a culture of preparedness today, provides the priceless peace of mind that is needed as you begin the daunting task of rebuilding following a disaster."

During Recovery Preparedness Month, IEMA and local emergency management officials will provide guidance to Illinois residents on how to quickly and efficiently recovery from disasters such as floods, fire, earthquakes or severe weather. 

Here are five simple acts that can help you recover from any disaster:

• Get Organized. Secure and organize financial and critical personal, household, and medical information.  Having these items in a safe place can expedite insurance claims and other emergency expenses.

• Savings. Saving is the best financial defense against disasters. A little bit at a time can go a long way.  A rainy day fund can help you invest in your family’s safety.

• Insurance.  Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them.

• Inventory. Make an inventory of your possessions using photographs and/or videos of your belongings. 

• Communication.  Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes.  Develop a Family Communication Plan.  This will outline how you will contact one another when a disaster strikes.

You can learn more about Disaster Recovery Month at www.ready.illinois.gov.

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Created on Monday, 04 March 2019 12:24

March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month

March 04, 2019

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- As a record number of tornado outbreaks in December clearly demonstrated, severe weather can happen at any time of the year.  To help people better prepare for weather emergencies, IEMA and local emergency management agencies will be promoting Severe Weather Preparedness Month throughout the month of March.

The National Weather Service and state and local emergency management officials strongly encourage people to have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards Weather Radio with battery backup.  These radios can be programmed to receive alerts for specified counties to keep you and your family apprised of impending weather and post-event information for all types of hazards including natural (earthquakes), environmental (chemical spills) and public safety hazards (AMBER alerts).  When an alert is issued for the programmed area, the device will sound a warning alarm tone followed by the essential information.

“Having a weather alert radio in your home can save your life,” said Acting Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.  “Much like a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector, these devices can alert you while you are sleeping in order to give you the time you need to get your family to safety.”

In this day and age of families constantly on the go, it is also critical for people to have multiple ways to receive notifications and updated information about severe weather warnings.   FEMA offers a FREE mobile app that provides fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS).  The app can be tailored to offer alerts for up to five different locations nationwide.  The mobile app can also help you locate open shelters and disaster resource centers near you in the event of an emergency. 

For more information about what to do before, during and after a storm, please visit www.Ready.Illinois.gov.   There you will find a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide, developed by IEMA and NWS, which provides tips on how to prepare for all weather emergencies.  Additional tips and information are available on the Ready Illinois Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ReadyIllinois) and Twitter page (www.twitter.com/ReadyIllinois).
 

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Created on Wednesday, 06 February 2019 11:34

IEMA Encourages People to Prepare for Earthquakes

February 04, 2019

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- On November 30, residents of Anchorage, Alaska experienced a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. To this day, residents continue to experience significantly powerful aftershocks. The event served as a stark reminder that earthquakes can happen anywhere in the world and at any time of day. In fact, records indicate Illinois and several other states in the central United States were rocked by some of the largest earthquakes ever measured in North America. 

Illinois is flanked on its western and eastern borders by two active seismic zones: the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone. An earthquake similar to what was recently experienced in Alaska could have devastating effects on our state. “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 17 at 10:17 a.m. It’s never too early to register your participation in this potentially life-saving event. Register today at www.shakeout.org.

Learn more about how you can prepare your home, business and family for an earthquake at www.Ready.Illinois.gov. Earthquake safety tips will also be posted throughout February on the Ready Illinois Facebook (www.facebook.com/ReadyIllinois) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ReadyIllinois) pages.