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In the ongoing effort to support our local, county, and state partners, IEMA will provide information and specifics to coordinate current information:
 

  • Presidential Disaster Declaration for Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties in Illinois for severe weather in July 2024
  • Presidential Disaster Declaration for St. Clair County in Illinois for flooding for 2022
  • Presidential Disaster Declaration for Cook County in Illinois for severe weather in June/July 2023
  • The State of Illinois Disaster Proclamation for the Asylum Seekers in Illinois

September Is National Preparedness Month

Press Release – Thursday, September 6, 2018

​Governor Rauner issues proclamation at IEMA Training Summit; Underscores importance of family, community preparedness


SPRINGFIELD – As the 2018 IEMA Training Summit draws to a close, Governor Bruce Rauner addressed the crowd of nearly 1,000 first responders and emergency workers to proclaim September as Preparedness Month in Illinois underscoring the importance of family and community preparedness.  

“Many people have the mindset that ‘it can’t happen here,’ but history has shown that a disaster can strike anywhere and at any time,” said Governor Bruce Rauner. “I want to encourage all Illinoisans to spend a few moments during this month to prepare for potential disasters, both natural and man-made.” 

The theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month campaign is Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.  The state is partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the month-long campaign that encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. 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.

“This is a great time to learn lifesaving skills – such as CPR and first aid, check your insurance policies and coverage for hazards such as floods, earthquakes and tornadoes,” said Acting IEMA Director William Robertson.  “Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and develop a plan to save for an emergency.  Also, know how to perform practical safety steps like shutting off the water and gas in your home. Remember, there is no one more capable of planning for your situation than you.”  

In this day and age of families constantly on the go, it is critical for people to have multiple ways to receive notifications and updated information about severe weather warnings.   FEMA offers a FREE mobile app that provides fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS).  The app can be tailored to offer alerts for up to five different locations nationwide.  The mobile app can also help you locate open shelters and disaster resource centers near you in the event of an emergency. 

IEMA offers disaster preparedness information on the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov​), a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters.  During large-scale disasters, IEMA uses the Ready Illinois website, Facebook and Twitter pages to provide critical information about the incident, including shelter locations, road closures, safety information, photos and more.

For more information about emergency and disaster preparedness, visit ready.illinois.gov.

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