[July 12, 2013]SPRINGFIELD -- Emergency
preparedness information is now even easier to find with a new
mobile version of the Ready Illinois website launched recently by
the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The mobile site,
m.ready.illinois.gov,
enables mobile device users to access information about emergency
preparedness and recovery, weather and man-made hazards, and updates
on current disasters automatically through their smartphone or
tablet.
"This new mobile site provides much of the same information as our
Ready Illinois website in a mobile-friendly format," said IEMA
Director Jonathon Monken. "People can now check out how to develop
an emergency supply kit or family communications plan when they're
sitting in a waiting room, riding a train or even relaxing at one of
the state's many recreational sites. And the mobile website will be
particularly helpful during disasters by enabling people to get
real-time updates about shelters, road closures and other critical
information."
In addition to general preparedness information, the
mobile site also includes a "How Do I?" section that provides quick
access to information on more than 40 topics, including preparedness
for people with functional needs, pet emergency preparedness,
American Sign Language videos on disaster preparedness and more.
The Ready Illinois website,
www.ready.illinois.gov,
is the state's one-stop shop for emergency preparedness information.
The website averages more than 37,500 visitors each month, although
visits spike considerably during disasters as people seek current
information. When historic flooding recently affected nearly half of
Illinois this April, more than 80,000 visitors turned to the Ready
Illinois website for updates.
Preparedness and disaster-related information is also available
through the Ready Illinois
Facebook page
and Twitter page,
both of which also can be accessed through the mobile website.
"This new mobile site provides much of the same information as our
Ready Illinois website in a mobile-friendly format," said IEMA
Director Jonathon Monken. "People can now check out how to develop
an emergency supply kit or family communications plan when they're
sitting in a waiting room, riding a train or even relaxing at one of
the state's many recreational sites. And the mobile website will be
particularly helpful during disasters by enabling people to get
real-time updates about shelters, road closures and other critical
information."
