Governor Quinn Proclaims September 'National Preparedness Month' in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to increase personal disaster preparedness across the state, Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed September National Preparedness Month in Illinois. The state will join with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and states across the nation in the month-long campaign that encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities.

"The state of Illinois has comprehensive plans for dealing with all types of emergencies," said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). "But it's just as important for people and businesses to develop emergency plans and practice those plans regularly. Having a plan that includes where to go and how to communicate during disasters, as well as an emergency supply kit, could save the lives of your family, friends, neighbors and employees,"

IEMA will be working to increase public awareness of emergency preparedness throughout National Preparedness Month. IEMA will post daily preparedness tips during September on the Ready Illinois Facebook page and Twitter (@ReadyIllinois) each day during September.

IEMA also maintains the state's Ready Illinois website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters.

During disasters, IEMA uses the Ready Illinois website, Facebook and Twitter to provide critical information about the incident, including shelter locations, road closures, safety information, photos and more.

IEMA will host its annual emergency management conference Sept. 4-6 in Springfield for more than 1,000 representatives from fire, law enforcement, emergency management, public health and other response-related disciplines. The agency also will conduct a summit aimed at seeking solutions to the challenges associated with assisting people with disabilities during disasters.