IEMA Encourages People to ‘Resolve to be Prepared’
Will Highlight Preparedness, Safety Topics Each Month in 2017

[December 30, 2016]  SPRINGFIELD – Each year, people around the world welcome the start of a new year by making personal resolutions. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies throughout Illinois are encouraging people to ‘Resolve to be Ready’ for emergencies in 2017. The agencies will offer year-long support to help people attain the goal of better preparedness for themselves and their families.

“Being prepared for emergencies involves understanding the types of hazards you may experience and then taking steps that will help you stay safe and quickly recover if a disaster occurs,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. “We’re encouraging people to work toward better preparedness throughout the year, so by the end of 2017 they will be prepared to handle whatever emergencies they experience.”

Joseph said IEMA will help people increase their personal preparedness by focusing on a different preparedness or safety topic each month during 2017, including severe weather, earthquakes, pets, school and campus, cyber security and more.

One of the first steps toward emergency preparedness is having 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 (a minimum of a three-day supply)

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Items for children, seniors, pets, and household members with health or medical needs

IEMA maintains the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov), a one-stop location for preparedness information on a variety of hazards. In addition to information on how to prepare for emergencies, the Ready Illinois website also provides guidance on what to do during and after a disaster. A list of the 2017 monthly preparedness topics is also available on the Ready Illinois website.

[Illinois Emergency Management Agency]