PEORIA, Ill. — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is issuing a disaster declaration ahead of a significant winter storm forecasters believe could bring a foot or more of snow to Peoria and perhaps as much as 20 inches in some other areas of Central Illinois.
Gov. Pritzker referred to the event by the Weather Channel’s designated name, “Winter Storm Landon”.
The Governor also announced the activation of 130 members of the Illinois National Guard’s 182nd Airlift Wing, based in Peoria, “to ensure all state resources are available” to help deal with heavy snow, ice and blizzard conditions.
Illinois Emergency Managers have mustered more than 1,800 IDOT trucks and equipment to keep state roads and highways clear of snow and ice.
Illinois State Police troopers have also been ordered to patrol the state’s rural roadways and interstates to help stranded motorists.
As part of today’s announcement, Pritzker says he is committed to ensuring local snow fighting crews and first-responders across the state have everything they need to handle public safety emergencies during the blizzard.
IEMA’s State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield will be activated to coordinate the state’s response effort. State agency representatives will staff the SEOC 24 hours a day throughout the storm, deploying resources to impacted communities.
Scott Swinford, Deputy Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency said, “it’s also important that people prepare themselves for this storm with food, water, working flashlights, weather radios, and other necessities.”
The news release from Gov. Pritzker’s office continued, saying if travel is absolutely necessary, Illinoisans should:
- Drastically reduce speeds and take it slow, especially when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas that are prone to icing.
- Make sure your gas tank is full.
- Keep a cell phone, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, a first-aid kit, washer fluid and an ice scraper in your vehicle. Dial *999 in the Chicago area for assistance in case of emergency.
- Check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route and schedule.
- Reminder: Using handheld phones while driving is illegal in Illinois, unless it is an emergency.
- If you are involved in a crash or break down, remain inside your vehicle, which is your safest form of shelter. Exiting your vehicle into live traffic can have fatal consequences.
- Always wear a seat belt, whether you’re sitting in the front seat or back seat. It’s the law. Never get behind the wheel impaired.
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