IEMA Links

IEMA Partners with Amateur Radio Operators

A newly forged partnership between amateur radio operators throughout the state and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will provide an additional layer of emergency communications during disasters. The agreement creates the State Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) program, which will facilitate communications between the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the amateur radio operators in Illinois. The agreement further strengthens the state's federally approved State Communications Interoperability Plan, which includes several layers of redundant communications systems.

Click here to read more.

Haiti EarthQuake Disaster

Assistance with locating family members

The heartbreaking tragedy in Haiti has affected people throughout Illinois, including many who may be attempting to locate missing family and friends in the earthquake-ravaged country. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a website (www.icrc.org/familylinks) to assist with these searches. In addition to the ICRC website, individuals can contact the State dept's Haiti desk at 1-888-407-4747.



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Businesses, civic organizations and other groups wishing to assist with the relief effort in Haiti are asked to register those offers with the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) database at www.cidi.org. The CIDI indicates that the preferred method for assisting with the disaster is by providing a cash donation to an agency with experience working in Haiti. The www.cidi.org website links to a list of InterAction member agencies that are accepting cash donation in response to this emergency.

Individuals can also help with relief efforts by donating to the relief organizations such as the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) and the Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org). Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information at www.cidi.org.



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US-CERT would like to warn users of potential email scams and search engine poisoning campaigns that may circulate regarding the Haitian Earthquake disaster. The scam emails may contain links or attachments which may direct users to phishing or malware-laden websites. Fraudulent search engine results may return similar malicious web links to phishing and malware websites.

US-CERT encourages users to take the following measures to protect themselves:

• Do not follow unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages.
• Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
• Review the Federal Trade Commission's Charity Checklist.
• Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the organization directly through a trusted contact number. Trusted contact information can be found on the Better Business Bureau National Charity Report Index.
• Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams document for more information on avoiding email scams.
• Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks document for more information on social engineering attacks.

Tier 2 report filing, January 1 - March 1

Owners or operators of facilities that have hazardous chemicals on hand in quantities equal to or greater than set threshold levels must submit Tier 2 forms between January 1 and March 1 for the previous calendar year. The purpose of the Tier 2 form is to provide State and local officials and the public with specific information on hazardous chemicals present at your facility during the previous calendar year.

For more information about the Tier 2 program and reporting requirements, click on the button below.

Studies regarding risks of computed tomography (CT) scans

Recent news coverage of the use of computed tomography (CT) and the resultant patient radiation dose may cause concern for individuals whose medical conditions may require such imaging procedures. There are 438 CT facilities in Illinois and all are inspected by IEMA's Bureau of Radiation Safety each year. The inspection reviews physical characteristics of the x-ray beam, including a dose measurement, and quality assurance (QA) programs, which ensure the machine is operating according to the manufacturers' specifications. The results of our inspections show a very high level of compliance for these facilities. In addition to IEMA's inspection, each facility must perform QA procedures on a regular schedule and address the performance of the machine with regard to image quality.

We encourage patients to be cognizant of their personal radiation dose and to discuss with their physician the risk versus benefit of all procedures involving the use of radiation.

Please visit the Agency's website for more information on the "Image Gently" campaign to lower pediatric radiation dose and news regarding CT brain perfusion scans.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Don Agnew, Manager, Electronic Products Section, at 217-785-9975.

Urban Areas Security Initiative - Nonprofit Security Grant

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Illinois Terrorism Task Force received an announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security of a grant opportunity that nonprofit organizations in the 60 designated Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) areas, including the Chicago Urban Area of Cook County and the City of Chicago, are eligible to apply for as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 UASI Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The NSGP provides $19,000,000 in funding support for target hardening activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. While this funding is provided specifically to high-risk nonprofit organizations under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-83), the program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader State and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, State and local government agencies, and Citizen Corps Councils. This program will provide a total of $19 million nationally to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations who are deemed at high-risk of a potential terrorist attack.

For additional information and eligibility requirements, click here.

Winter Storm Preparedness Week, November 15-21 Did you know?.....There has not been a winter in Illinois without a severe winter storm in the past century. The hazards posed by winter storms and extreme cold can be catastrophic. However, you can take actions now that will increase your chances of surviving winter storms and extreme cold. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has developed a Winter Storm Preparedness document with tips on staying safe and warm during the winter months. Severe winter storms can cause widespread damage and disruption. Heavy snow often results in paralyzed transportation systems, automobile accidents due to slippery roads and stranded vehicles. Glazing from ice storms topple utility lines and poles and make travel virtually impossible. These conditions can be a threat to life. Nearly 80 people in the United States die from winter storms and extreme cold every year, which is more than the fatalities due to tornadoes! Read the entire Winter Storm Preparedness week press release.

IEMA Encourages People to Test Homes for Radon during Radon Action Week Oct. 18-24

Radon Action Week (Oct. 18-24) is a great time to test your home for radon. Radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the number one cause of the deadly disease for non-smokers. It's estimated that 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths occur annually in the U.S., as many as 1,160 of those in Illinois. The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is to test it. Homeowners can either test the home themselves, using test kits available at most home improvement and department stores, or hire an IEMA-licensed radon measurement contractor. If the test shows high radon levels, an IEMA-licensed radon mitigation contractor can install a radon reduction system in your home. For more information about radon, radon testing results from your county or to find an IEMA-licensed radon measurement or mitigation contractor in your area, visit www.radon.illinois.gov.
Read the full press release.

Three posters designed by Illinois students will soon be competing against posters from across the country in the 2010 National Radon Poster Contest. The Illinois winners were selected from more than 300 entries in the Statewide Radon Poster Contest sponsored by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, American Lung Association of Illinois, University of Illinois Extension and the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The posters illustrate the health hazards of radon gas and the need to test homes for the presence of radon.

Zuriel Wilburn-White Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center Chicago, IL	Kristen Pontious Brownstown High School Brownstown, IL	Dell Cantrell Vienna Grade School Vienna, IL
(click on the above images for a larger view)

October 16th is National Mammography Day

October 16th is National Mammography Day, a day when women are encouraged to make an appointment for their annual mammograms. Mammography is a vital tool for early detection of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent when it is detected early.

Accurate mammography results are critical for diagnosing breast cancer. To ensure every mammography machine is operating properly, experts from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) thoroughly inspect nearly 400 mammography facilities throughout Illinois each year. Illinois is one of only three states in the nation approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to certify mammography facilities.

IEMA also provides the informational brochure, Breast Cancer, Your Right to Know, to mammography facilities throughout the state. State law requires mammography facilities to provide patients with information about breast cancer detection and diagnosis. The brochure is available in both English and Spanish, and since 1997 the agency has distributed more than 3.6 million copies to mammography facilities.

Please take a few moments on National Mammography Day or during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to schedule your mammogram or to encourage the women in your life to schedule their mammograms.

Learn more about IEMA's Mammography Program.

Illinois Agreement State Program receives high marks following review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Illinois' Homeland Security Program Rated in Top 4 Percent in Nation