IEMA encourages people to resolve to be prepared in 2015
Will highlight preparedness, safety topics each month
 

[January 15, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – Each year, millions of 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 2015, and will offer year-long support to help people attain the goal of better preparedness for themselves, their families and their workplaces.

“While many of us make earnest resolutions aimed at improving some aspect of our lives, our resolve can wane just weeks into the new year,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “We’re going to provide continuing support throughout the year by offering information and tips to help people stick to their resolution. I encourage everyone to join us and ‘Resolve to be Ready’ in 2015.”

Monken said IEMA will focus on a different preparedness or safety topic each month in 2015, including earthquakes, severe weather, 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 about steps people can take before emergencies happen, the Ready Illinois website also provides guidance on what to do during and after a disaster.

[Illinois Emergency Management Agency]