SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Chambana Today) — As snow, ice, and bitter cold begin to move into the region, Illinois officials are reminding residents to get ready now for winter weather.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) has teamed up with the National Weather Service (NWS) to recognize National Winter Weather Preparedness Week, encouraging Illinoisans to take simple precautions to protect themselves, their homes, and their vehicles during the coming months.
“Illinois weather can shift at any moment and the best time to prepare for unpredictable weather is before it begins,” said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore “Ted” Berger. “Simple actions such as winterizing your home, preparing an emergency kit, and insulating exposed pipes can make all the difference.”
NWS Meteorologist Ed Shimon stressed the importance of being “Weather Ready” before storms hit.
“Cultivating a Weather Ready Nation is a goal of the NWS. Winter weather impacts can catch us off guard and create potentially fatal consequences. Illinois averages approximately 27 fatalities per year and thousands of injuries due to winter driving accidents. It is imperative for everyone to take seriously their preparations and planning for winter weather. Whether it be snow and ice on the roads, zero visibility in snowstorms or bitterly cold temperatures, being weather aware and ‘Weather Ready’ can save your life.”
Throughout the week, IEMA-OHS and the NWS will share daily safety messages focused on key topics:
- Monday: Snow impacts, including snow squalls and different types of precipitation
- Tuesday: Icy road hazards and safe driving practices
- Wednesday: Cold weather safety, hypothermia prevention, and pet care
- Thursday: Home safety and preparedness for outages and snow removal
- Friday: Understanding blizzard warnings and forecast challenges
For more information about winter safety and preparedness, residents can visit Ready.Illinois.gov or view the State’s Severe Weather Preparedness Guide at iemaohs.illinois.gov.