The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is urging Illinois residents to prepare for disasters.
Spokeswoman Patti Thompson says Illinois weather is often unpredictable and conditions can deteriorate quickly. She notes many homeowners found their preparations to be a lifesaver.
"For example, several years back, we had a big ice storm here in the central part of the state -- people really were stuck at home for many days," Thompson says. "The roads were impassable."
Thompson says you should prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, medication, and enough water to for three days.
You can find more information on disaster preparedness at IEMA's website.