Illinoisans Encouraged to Prepare for Cold, Snow This Weekend

For Immediate Release – January 29, 2021

SPRINGFIELD — With the threat of accumulating snow this weekend, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is reminding Illinois residents to make safety a priority as a winter storm treks across the state.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heavy snow is likely over portions of northern Illinois, with current forecast accumulations at eight inches or more. State and local emergency officials urge the public to take time now to prepare your family, home and vehicle for everything from a dusting of snow to a major winter storm.

Winter Weather Preparedness tips include:

Familiarize yourself with the various weather alert definitions, so you know how to keep your family safe;
• Build a home emergency kit with items such as a food, water, medications, NOAA weather radio, flashlight and spare batteries;
• Stock your vehicle with the emergency items such as a first aid kit, phone charger, blankets, extra clothes, jumper cables, kitty litter or sand, a flashlight and snow scraper in the event you must travel;
• Charge your mobile devices before any storm;
• Don’t wait. Communicate. Create and discuss emergency plans for you and your family;
• Winterize your home and take steps to prevent frozen water pipes;

“This weekend, if weather impacts your area, please take a moment to check on your neighbors,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Forty-six percent of individuals expect to rely a great deal on people in their neighborhood for assistance within the first 72 hours after a disaster. Send a text or make a call to ensure they have everything they need to survive this winter storm.”

You can stay ahead of incoming winter weather by following the National Weather Service in your area:

	Facebook	Twitter
NWS Chicago	https://www.facebook.com/NWSChicago	https://twitter.com/NWSChicago
NWS Quad Cities	https://www.facebook.com/NWSQuadCities	https://twitter.com/NWSQuadCities
NWS Central Illinois	https://www.facebook.com/NWSLincoln	https://twitter.com/NWSLincolnIL
NWS St. Louis	https://www.facebook.com/NWSStLouis	https://twitter.com/NWSStLouis
NWS Paducah	https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah	https://twitter.com/NWSPaducah

More tips for staying safe at home and on the road are available in a Winter Weather Preparedness guide developed by IEMA and the National Weather Service. This guide is available, in digital form, on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.