Why Prepare?
Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time, often without warning. Tornadoes, severe storms, house fires, power outages, and other emergencies can disrupt your normal routine and put your family at risk.
Being prepared means you can act quickly and confidently when an emergency occurs. The time to prepare is NOW — not when disaster strikes.
- Reduced panic: Knowing what to do helps you stay calm.
- Faster response: Plans and supplies are ready to go.
- Better outcomes: Preparation saves lives and property.
- Peace of mind: You know your family can handle emergencies.
Home Evacuation Planning
Every household needs an evacuation plan. Practice it regularly so everyone knows what to do.
Draw a Floor Plan
Mark all exits: doors, windows, stairs
Find Two Ways Out
Every room needs two escape routes
Set Meeting Spot
Choose a safe spot outside: mailbox, tree, neighbor's house
Practice Regularly
Conduct drills twice a year, day and night
Make sure everyone can unlock doors and windows. Practice low crawling under smoke. If you have two stories, consider escape ladders. Never go back inside a burning building.
Building an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit contains supplies you'll need to survive for at least 72 hours without outside help. Keep it in an easy-to-access location and check it every 6 months.
- Water (1 gallon/person/day)
- Non-perishable food (3-day supply)
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply)
- Phone charger / power bank
- Important documents (copies)
- Cash (small bills)
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust masks
- Plastic sheeting & duct tape
- Wrench/pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Local maps
- Change of clothes per person
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Personal hygiene items
- Pet supplies (if applicable)
- Baby supplies (if applicable)
Severe Weather Safety
Illinois experiences tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and winter storms. Know what to do for each.
- Get to shelter: Basement is best. If no basement, interior room on lowest floor (closet, bathroom).
- Stay away from windows: Flying glass causes many injuries.
- Protect your head: Cover with arms, pillows, or mattress.
- Mobile homes: Leave immediately! Go to a sturdy building or storm shelter.
- When thunder roars, go indoors: Any fully enclosed building is safest.
- Stay inside 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Unplug electronics: Lightning can surge through wiring.
- Avoid water: Don't shower, bathe, or wash dishes during storms.
Sign up for local emergency alerts. Keep a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone.
Communication Plan
During disasters, cell networks may be overloaded or down. Having a communication plan helps your family reconnect.
- Emergency contacts: List phone numbers for all family members, schools, workplaces.
- Out-of-town contact: Choose someone outside your area who can relay messages.
- Meeting places: Establish both a neighborhood spot and an out-of-neighborhood location.
- Text don't call: Texts often get through when calls don't.
- Social media: Designate someone to post family status updates.
Fill out a family communication plan card for each member to carry. Include all emergency contact numbers, meeting places, and medical information.
Special Considerations
Some family members may have special needs during emergencies.
- Elderly family members: Extra medications, mobility aids, hearing aids with batteries.
- Infants & young children: Formula, diapers, comfort items, car seat.
- People with disabilities: Backup power for medical equipment, communication devices, extra supplies.
- Pets: Food, water, medications, carrier, leash, vaccination records.
- Medical conditions: Extra medications, medical equipment, doctor's contact info.
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