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Chapter 9: Emergency Preparedness in Illinois

Author: Patricia Rushing, director of the Regional Instiute of Community Policing, IGPA

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Illinois is not a stranger to disaster. Tornadoes, floods and other violent acts of nature are common, and events like the shootings at Northern Illinois University serve as a reminder that tragedy can strike anywhere, anytime. In the face of such uncertainty, it is the task of state government, agencies and first responders to ensure that Illinois is using its resources to ensure it is well prepared. 

Patricia Rushing discusses emergency preparedness in Illinois (transcript-PDF)
Read the complete chapter [PDF]
 
For state and national agencies across the country, the threat of terrorism looms large. In Illinois, federal homeland security dollars are distributed through the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, an organization which, in conjunction with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, develops the overall security strategy for the state. The ITTF not only trains and prepares local units for nearly any terrorism situation; it also allows the state to keep emergency responders prepared to react to any possible disaster scenario in the state. The evidence shows that Illinois makes good use of its federal dollars for these purposes.

Vulnerabilities still exist across the state, problems that policy makers should consider in their emergency preparedness planning. The state of Illinois remains a transportation and shipping hub and the state must strengthen its transportation infrastructure and freight monitoring systems. Emergency communications and public notification systems are other areas for improvement. Agencies should work to secure backup emergency power for all priority emergency alert system sites, and revive the program to provide tone-alert radios at public places to notify people of weather and homeland security warnings.
 
Compared to other states, Illinois is exemplary in its overall disaster preparedness system. Federal authorities have called Illinois’ mutual aid structure, specialized response teams, and its inclusive and efficient terrorism task force models for the rest of the nation. It can be safely said that Illinois is better prepared today than it was prior to the attacks of September 11, 2001 or Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of the Gulf Coast. Policymakers must not forget, however, that preparing for and preventing disaster is a continuous process, and Illinois must keep taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its citizens.

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