PARK FOREST - As severe weather season in Illinois approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) urges Illinoisans to develop an emergency plan.

To help Illinois residents prepare for severe weather season, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service developed a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide that covers flooding, severe weather terms and tips for staying safe.

“Severe weather can happen at any time,” Joyce said. “Major flooding, such as the floods along the Illinois River and its tributaries, happen with little warning, which is why it’s crucial for families to develop an emergency plan.”

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, IEMA recommends a few new items be included in your emergency supply kit, including face coverings for every member of your family, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes. Other items to include in a basic emergency supply kit include water, food, NOAA weather radio, flashlight, batteries, phone charger and prescription medications. A complete list can be found online at www.ready.gov/kit.

For more information, IEMA offers severe weather preparedness information on the Ready Illinois website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters.