IEMA encourages people to resolve to be prepared in 2014

Will highlight preparedness, safety topics each month

[January 21, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD — It's not too late to make a resolution for 2014, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has a suggested resolution that will help you and your family stay safe when disaster strikes: Resolve to be better prepared for emergencies this year. The agency will make keeping this resolution easier by offering information and tips on preparedness and safety topics each month in 2014.

"During the past 12 months, people throughout Illinois have experienced historic flooding, tornadoes, windstorms, major snowstorms and extreme cold," said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. "We can't stop these events from happening, but we can minimize the impact they have on our families by being better prepared. I encourage everyone to ‘Resolve to be Ready' in 2014."

Monken said IEMA will focus on a different preparedness or safety topic each month, such as earthquakes, severe and winter weather, pets, school and campus, cybersecurity, and more.

One of the first steps toward emergency preparedness is an emergency supply kit stocked with basic survival items that are critical during an emergency, such as:

• One gallon of water per person per day, with a minimum of a three-day supply.

• At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food.

• First-aid kit.

• Battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

• Items for children, seniors, pets and for household members with health or medical needs.

IEMA maintains the Ready Illinois website, www.ready.illinois.gov, a one-stop shop for preparedness information for a variety of hazards. In addition to information about steps people can take before emergencies happen, the website also provides guidance on what to do during and after a disaster. The Ready Illinois site also provides situational updates and links to information on road conditions and closures, shelter locations, and more during major disasters.

Preparedness information is also available through the Ready Illinois Facebook and Twitter pages.

[Text from Illinois Emergency Management Agency file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]