Illinois Storm Season Warning: Officials Push Preparedness

Illinois emergency officials are urging residents across the state to prepare emergency plans and supplies as Severe Weather Preparedness Month highlights the dangers of the spring storm season.

Storm Season Brings Increased Risks Across Illinois

With spring approaching, state emergency officials are warning residents to be ready for a wide range of potentially dangerous weather events.

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, flooding, and widespread power outages are all possible during the state's volatile spring weather season.

Millions of dollars in storm damages within the last year shows just how quickly severe weather can impact our communities. We understand that severe weather can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it unprepared. -Acting Director Theodore Berger

According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month, which encourages households to take steps now to protect their families and property before storms arrive.

Officials Emphasize Simple Preparedness Steps

State emergency officials say basic planning can significantly reduce risk during severe weather events. Residents are encouraged to safeguard important documents by storing them in waterproof containers and to create an inventory of possessions using lists, photos, or videos.

Insurance coverage is another critical step. Officials note that many homeowners, renters, and business owners are unaware that flood damage is often not included in standard policies.

Residents should also know how to safely shut off household utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, in case of an emergency.

Emergency Kits and Safety Precautions

Emergency planners recommend assembling an emergency kit or "go bag" capable of sustaining a household for at least three days during extended power outages or evacuations.

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Flashlights with fresh batteries and fully charged backup phone chargers should be readily available in case of power loss. Officials also stress that portable generators should be operated outdoors and never indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide.

Additional emergency kit ideas and preparedness tips are available at the state's Ready Illinois preparedness website.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF