|
 Severe
weather can affect any community across Illinois. To help families
prepare for severe weather, IEMA-OHS is sharing interagency
resources and featuring its emergency preparedness kits.
“From flash flooding to tornadoes, Illinoisans should be prepared
for severe weather,” said IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.
“This week alone, Illinois saw 11 tornadoes and hail in parts of the
state with unseasonably warm temperatures and the potential for
flooding.”
"It is so important to have a plan and be prepared to take action
when the weather turns life threatening near your location," said Ed
Shimon, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather
Service in Lincoln, Illinois. "Seconds save lives as we saw with the
EF3 tornadoes that impacted Robinson and Lewiston last year.
Practice your plan so you can act immediately to save your life when
needed."
In 2023, Illinois received two significant
Presidential Disaster Declarations for severe weather and flooding
that totaled over $462 million in damages. Nationally, flooding is
the most common natural hazard in the U.S. and according to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), just 1 inch of water can
cause $25,000 of damage in your home.
The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) and the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recommend flood insurance for
homeowners, renters, and businesses to help protect property and
personal belongings in the event of a flood. Flood insurance
coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
for participant living in the almost 23,000 NFIP communities.
“There is a 30-day waiting period for the policy to kick in so now
is the time to act to get everyone protected for spring/summer
flooding,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources NFIP
Coordinator Erin Conley. [to top of second
column] |
A listing of participating flood
insurance providers for any location in the U.S. can be found
here.
Severe weather preparedness can also include gathering
information and supplies to prepare for the loss of electricity
or an evacuation. That is why IEMA-OHS offers a
Family Communications Plan to help people map locations to
meet and track important contact information.
IEMA-OHS also recommends that you:
Keep all important records and documents in a secure waterproof
container.
Make an inventory of possessions using lists and photos/videos.
Insure your property and possessions.
Know how to shut off electricity, gas, and water.
Compile an emergency kit and “go bag” to help your family for at
least three days during extended power outages or evacuations.
In case power is out, make sure flashlights with fresh batteries are
ready.
Generators should only be run outside, never indoors or in enclosed
spaces.
More tips and preparedness kit ideas can be found at
https://ready.illinois.gov/plan/emergency
kit.html.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): Ready.Illinois.gov
Printable form -
Family Communication Plan - Pdf
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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