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Created: 29 August 2018

The National EAS and WEA test has been postponed to the backup date of October 3, 2018, beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on the backup date of October 3, 2018 due to ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Florence. The WEA portion of the test commences at 2:18 p.m. EDT, and the EAS portion follows at 2:20 p.m. EDT. The test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether improvements are needed.

The WEA test message will be sent to cell phones that are connected to wireless providers participating in WEA. This is the fourth EAS nationwide test and the first national WEA test. Previous EAS national tests were conducted in November 2011, September 2016,  and September 2017 in collaboration with the FCC, broadcasters, and emergency management officials in recognition of FEMA’s National Preparedness Month.

The EAS is a national public warning system that provides the President with the communications capability to address the nation during a national emergency. The test is made available to EAS participants (i.e., radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers) and is scheduled to last approximately one minute. The test message will be similar to regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. The EAS message will include a reference to the WEA test:

“THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. A similar wireless emergency alert test message has been sent to all cell phones nationwide. Some cell phones will receive the message; others will not. No action is required.”

Cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT. During this time, WEA compatible cell phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA should be capable of receiving the test message. Some cell phones will not receive the test message, and cell phones should only receive the message once. The WEA test message will have a header that reads "Presidential Alert" and text that says:

“THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

The WEA system is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell phones. The national test will use the same special tone and vibration as with all WEA messages (i.e. Tornado Warning, AMBER Alert). Users cannot opt out of receiving the WEA test.

The test was originally planned for September 20, 2018 but has been postponed until October 3, 2018 due to ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Florence.

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Created: 28 August 2018

Interstate 74 speed limit to be reduced Aug. 31

Will be 60 mph between I-57, Cunningham Avenue

CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that the posted speed limit along Interstate 74 from west of I-57 to east of Cunningham Avenue will be reduced from 70 mph to 60 mph beginning Friday, Aug. 31.

IDOT recently completed a speed study on I-74 and I-57 in the Champaign-Urbana area and concluded that given the current prevailing speeds, crash rates and number of interchanges, a reduction of the posted speed limit on I-74 was justified. The study also showed that the current posted speed limit of 70 mph on I-57 is correct.

IDOT routinely reviews all state-maintained routes to determine whether any low-cost safety improvements can be made, including speed limits, striping, signal timing and roadside hazards. Speed is a significant factor in the severity of every crash, and the interaction between higher-speed through traffic on an interstate with lower-speed traffic entering or exiting at interchanges was shown to be an issue. Reducing the speed limit of through traffic to closer to that of traffic from interchanges gives drivers more time to react, thereby reducing the severity of a crash or avoiding one altogether.

For IDOT District 5 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict5 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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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.