To help people prepare for severe weather, IEMA has joined with the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency management agencies to increase awareness of these severe weather hazards.
IEMA and the NWS developed a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide, which provides information about tornadoes, severe storms, lightning and flooding along with recommended actions to take before, during and after each of these weather events.
The Guide is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov or by calling 217/785-9925. Preparedness tips and information are also available through the Ready Illinois Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/ReadyIllinois). ?
IEMA Director James K. Joseph said Illinois experienced 48 tornadoes in 2014, which resulted in two injuries and nearly $5 million in damage to homes and crops. In 2013, the state saw 54 tornadoes, including 25 twisters on Nov. 17, a vivid reminder that tornadoes and severe storms can happen anytime of the year.