Emergency Preparedness Information Now Available in Spanish, French for Residents in River Communities

Provides comprehensive information for surviving floods, power outages 

SPRINGFIELD – In a continuing effort to encourage everyone in Illinois to be prepared for emergencies, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and American Red Cross made available key preparedness messaging in English, Spanish and French on the state’s Ready Illinois website. 

“While state and local responders are well-trained and equipped to respond to disasters, the key to effective disaster preparedness starts at home,” said Acting IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “It is important that all individuals are prepared and equipped to stay safe during emergencies.” 

The Ready Illinois website is provided in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, Filipino, and German. To initiate the translation service, see the Google translator found at the bottom right hand side of the website. IEMA, IDPH and the American Red Cross recently added timely information to help residents prepare for a flood or power outages. These specific resource guides are available in English, Spanish and French.

“The Illinois Department of Public Health is dedicated to providing information that flood victims can use to protect themselves against diseases and other hazards,” said Acting IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Numerous resources are available in English and Spanish residents can use during a flood and its aftermath.” IDPH’s After the Flood resource guide is available on both the IDPH website and the Ready Illinois website. 

At this time, it is critical for residents in river communities to stay informed. Learn things residents can do right now to stay safe from flooding due to large storms. Prepare family members for a potential evacuation. The Ready Illinois website’s “Plan and Prepare” section offers a variety of information on how to prepare for emergencies before they occur, including information on animals and pets, business safety, cyber safety, preparing an emergency kit, guides for family emergency planning and more. 

In the “Hazards” section, people can check the site for information on how to stay safe, including details about disease outbreaks, earthquakes, fires, hazardous materials, nuclear power plant accidents, evacuations and weather emergencies and other disaster situations. 

The “Multi-Media” section provides instructional and informational videos to help people prepare for and recover from different hazards, including earthquakes, cyber-security, tornadoes, winter storms, and extreme heat. Many of these videos are available in Spanish and American Sign Language. 

Flood Safety Check List (English) (Spanish) (French)

Power Outage Check List (English) (Spanish) (French)