Illinois has shown, through local recent events, such as the tornados in Utica and Roanoke, how susceptible Illinois is to natural disasters. The Illiopolis chemical plant explosion, flooding on the Des Plaines and Fox Rivers and the Benton train derailment further demonstrate our vulnerability throughout the state; and these happened in just the last 6 months!

Recently, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the citizens of our country remain diligent to their surroundings and to report anything unusual. In addition, DHS has indicated that this pre-election period is a time of increased risk.These warnings should not scare us, but rather provide us the motivation to be as prepared as possible.

National Preparedness Month will give everyone an opportunity to work toward a better prepared America, said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. As your State Fire Marshal, I urge you to work with your law enforcement and emergency management partners, to let your community know how to be as prepared as possible at home as well as at work.

• Make a Plan and have a communications plan of how you and your family would react if a disaster struck in our community.
• Build a Kit with enough supplies for everyone in your family. Have your family Trained in simple first-aid and CPR.
• Finally Monitor events both at home and while at work. This can be accomplished through TV, radio and an all hazard NOAA radio.