Take time to prepare yourself and your family for the coming 
winter months. The first step is to create a basic preparedness 
kit for you and your family. The severe ice and snow storm from 
November 30th through December 1st of last year left more than 
500,000 people in central and western Illinois without power, 
some for up to a week.

Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food, drinking 
water, a battery powered Weather Radio and portable AM/FM radio, 
flashlights, medication and a first aid kit. Also, have a plan 
for warmth and safety in case you lose power and heat. For more 
information, contact your local emergency management agency.