The well-being and safety of Illinois citizens in the event of a disaster is priority for everyone. The Illinois HomeCare Council, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Faith-Based Preparedness Initiative, has prepared tools to assist individuals, especially those confined to their homes, in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Below you will find many tools to help you and your family members become ARMED: Aware, Ready and Mobilized for Every Disaster.

These tools provide information about potential risks, offer guidance in preparing an individual emergency plan and outline procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

Getting Started

Click here to view a Personal Disaster Preparedness Video

Click here to see Get ARMED ­ An All-Hazards Guide to Preparing for an Emergency
This PowerPoint presentation provides:

• An overview to help home care workers prepare for client-related emergency response and recovery situations
• A list of resources available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other agencies

Click on any of the titles below to view ARMED Tip Sheets:

• Cold Emergencies
• Earthquakes
• EDITH ­ Exit Drills in the Home
• Family "Go Kits"
• "Fantastic" Emergency Preparedness Websites
• Flooding
• Hand Washing
• Heat Emergencies
• Home Fire Prevention Checklist
• Medical Care/Prescriptions (CMS)
• Pandemic Influenza
• Pet Care Plan
• Smoke Detectors
• Thunderstorms
• Tips for Business
• Tornadoes
• Terrorism

Below are links to additional information provided by the Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative

• Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative Go Bag Kit in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health
• Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative Hand washing Video in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health
• Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative July 2008 Report Card