Be Weather Prepared

Are You Ready for Severe Weather Season?

March is the time to prepare

March 3, 2026

SPRINGFIELD – Thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, floods, and power outages are all possible during Illinois’ spring weather season. That is why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is urging all residents to take steps to prepare during Severe Weather Preparedness Month this March.

“Millions of dollars in storm damages within the last year shows just how quickly severe weather can impact our communities,” said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “We understand that severe weather can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it unprepared. Taking time now to plan and gather essentials can help protect the people and places you care about most.”

IEMA-OHS recommends that you:

• Keep all important records and documents in a secure waterproof container

• Make an inventory of possessions using lists and photos/videos

• Insure your property and personal items (many renters, homeowners, and business owners don’t realize that flood insurance isn’t automatically part of an insurance policy)

• Know how to shut off your home utilities like electricity, gas, and water

• Assemble an emergency kit and “go bag” to help your family for at least three days during extended power outages or in case of evacuation

• If power is out, make sure flashlights with fresh batteries are ready

• Have a backup cell phone charger fully charged

• Generators should only be run outside, never indoors or in enclosed spaces

More tips and preparedness kit ideas can be found in our 72 Hour Emergency Kit page, or at the Ready Illinois website.  

WVC 72-Hour Emergency Kit Page 

Ready Illinois Tips & Preparedness Page

Disaster preparedness information is ready available from IEMA-OHS on the Ready Illinois website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during, and after disasters.

Ready Illinois Website

Severe Weather Preparedness Guide

IEMA-OHS and National Weather Service Recognize Winter Weather Preparedness Week 

November 25, 2025 

SPRINGFIELD– As winter weather approaches, Illinois residents are reminded to prepare for the possibility of snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. This week marks National Winter Weather Preparedness Week, a timely opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to plan ahead for the challenges the season can bring. 

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is partnering with the National Weather Service (NWS) to urge everyone to take simple, proactive steps now to stay safe and reduce the risks posed by severe winter weather. 

“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 added, “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."

For more information on winter weather risks and how to prepare in Illinois, visit 

Winter Storm Preparedness Guide

Severe Weather Preparedness Guide