Resolve to be Ready: FloodPrep Tour Planned in Illinois

Flood prep should top the list of resolutions for Illinoisans who ‘Resolve to be Ready’ in 2020.  Officials with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are launching a FloodPrep tour to help prepare communities – both residents and local governments — for the possibility of spring flooding. These events will focus on personal preparedness and the importance of flood insurance.

While the calendar may still say winter, the time to prepare for spring flooding is now. Most flood insurance policies take 30-days to go into effect.  The National Weather Service suggests that abnormally moist ground conditions and unseasonably higher river levels in the upper Midwest could lead to a considerable risk for repeat flooding this spring. With this in mind, state officials are encouraging Illinois residents to consider flood insurance before the next flood occurs.

At these meetings, the public can learn more about the potential for spring flooding, availability of flood insurance, how to receive emergency alerts and notifications and tips for family emergency preparedness planning.  In addition to gathering critical life-safety information, attendees can also register for a chance to win a FREE weather radio, thanks to a partnership with the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA).  Fifteen weather radios will be given away at each FloodPrep event.

To date, three FloodPrep community events are planned throughout Illinois.  These free events will take place from 4:00pm – 6:30pm and are open to all Illinois residents, regardless of residency.

Additional event partners include: National Weather Service, Illinois Emergency Services Management Association, American Red Cross, Black Hawk College, Jackson County Health Department and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.