SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - With winter fast approaching, state officials are reminding Illinois residents to prepare for snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures as part of National Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is partnering with the National Weather Service (NWS) to encourage simple, proactive steps that can help families stay safe and reduce risks throughout the season.
“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. He recommends winterizing homes, building a cold-weather emergency kit, and insulating exposed pipes to avoid costly damage.
NWS Meteorologist Ed Shimon echoed the message, stressing the importance of awareness, especially on the roads.
“Illinois averages about 27 fatalities each year from winter weather and thousands of injuries from driving accidents,” Shimon said. “Being ‘Weather Ready’—whether facing snow, ice, zero visibility, or bitter cold—can save your life.”
Throughout the week, IEMA-OHS and the NWS will be sharing daily safety topics to help residents prepare:
• Monday: Snow Impacts — Understanding first snow, snow squalls, and types of winter precipitation
• Tuesday: Icy Road Impacts — Recognizing black ice, freezing rain, and why bridges freeze first
• Wednesday: Cold Weather Safety — Wind chill, hypothermia prevention, proper winter clothing, and pet protection
• Thursday: Home Safety & Preparedness — Winterizing the home, handling power outages, and safe snow removal
• Friday: Winter Weather Alerts — What blizzard warnings and winter headlines really mean
Officials encourage households to take time this week to review their winter plans, check supplies, and stay weather-aware as conditions begin to change across Illinois.
For more winter safety guidance and updates, residents can visit Ready.Illinois.gov or follow the National Weather Service on social media.
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