Illinois Emergency Management Preps for Winter Weather This Week

Illinois officials and meteorologists are urging residents to prepare now for upcoming snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

Preparing Illinois for Winter's Harshest Conditions

With our first taste of snow and bitterly cold temperatures this past weekend, Illinois residents should take proactive steps to protect their families from severe winter weather.

READ MORE: Illinois Weekend Back to Spring, Then Cold and Snow Return

This week marks National Winter Weather Preparedness Week, a nationwide campaign focused on safety and awareness as the state braces for snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures.

Officials Stress Early Action

According to the press release from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, the IEMA-OES has partnered with the National Weather Service (NWS) to remind residents to prepare now before storms hit.

Illinois weather can shift at any moment and the best time to prepare for unpredictable weather is before it begins. Simple actions such as winterizing your home, preparing an emergency kit, and insulating exposed pipes can make all the difference. -IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore “Ted” Berger

National Weather Service Meteorologist Ed Shimon noted that weather conditions in Illinois can quickly become deadly, with an average of 27 fatalities and thousands of injuries every year due to winter driving accidents.

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Shimon emphasized that being "weather aware and weather ready can save your life." Especially when traveling, you should regularly monitor weather forecasts, keep emergency supplies in your vehicles, and avoid unnecessary travel during snowstorms.

For more information on winter weather risks and how to prepare in Illinois, CLICK HERE for a complimentary Severe Weather Preparedness Guide.