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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
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Back-to-School Is Time to Review Emergency Preparedness Plans
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July is Extreme Heat Safety Month
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is sharing tips to beat the heat because July is Extreme Heat Safety Month. “We’ve already had 100 °+ temperatures for several days in June, and it’s clear that extreme heat is dangerous,” said IEMA Deputy Director Scott Swinford. “Take precautions and reduce your risk to avoid heat exhaustion by staying cool and well hydrated.”
High temperatures paired with significant humidity can lead to increased risks of heat cramps, heat illness, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion.
- Take breaks in the shade
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers the skin to prevent sunburn
- Use sunscreen
- Don’t leave children or pets in a vehicle
- Look before you lock! Keep curtains and shades closed at home
- Take cool showers or baths
- Avoid using your oven
- If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a cooling center, store, or mall
- Check on family members, seniors, and neighbors
- Follow our five NWS offices that cover Illinois (Chicago, Quad Cities, Lincoln, Paducah, and St. Louis)
Extreme heat is high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. Be better prepared for the weather and learn about specific heat terms.
More tips on extreme heat safety can be found here. Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Illinois.gov
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April is Hazardous Materials Safety Month
April 01, 2022
SPRINGFIELD – April is Hazardous Materials Safety Month, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) wants you to learn about the potential hazards in your community. “Being proactive and safety conscious is key,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “If released, hazardous material may pose a threat to public health and safety.”
IEMA offers citizens the ability to track chemical spills and incidents and maintains an inventory-type database to monitor businesses and organizations that have chemicals onsite. Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to help prevent problems and quickly reduce danger in the case of an emergency.
IEMA coordinates shared efforts with the Illinois Fire Service Institute (ISFI) to provide guidance and hazardous materials training to businesses and organizations, with updates every four years or less. Federal funds are used to provide hazardous materials training to all first responders in the State of Illinois, including public employees who may come across a hazardous material during their workday.
“The State of Illinois has proactive and well-trained regional and local responders, which reduces risk,” explained IEMA Hazardous Materials Unit Supervisor David Martin. “Illinois has just under 8,600 active Tier II chemical facilities. Chemicals are necessary for thousands of businesses to operative effectively in Illinois, and those chemicals are safe when utilized under proper conditions and utilized by responsible parties.”
Under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA), the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) has designated IEMA to implement the requirements. IEMA works closely with Local Emergency Planning Committees, first responders, and emergency managers to ensure local communities have knowledge and access to information on hazardous materials located within their communities and are prepared in the event of a chemical release.
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