- Stay Safe and Report Suspicious Activity This Holiday Season - 

 Recognize The Signs

 

- Links and Info for Seasonal Weather - 

<< Choose the NEW Seasonal Awareness link in our left (subpage) menu

 

Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan 

McHenry County has completed the public meetings for the update to the McHenry County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The next steps for this plan include approval given by the governing bodies of all jurisdictions participating in the plan. A list can be found on page ES-3 of the plan

Copy of the plan: 
McHenry Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023

We want to thank all members of the public, including representatives external to McHenry County, for participating! Input to the Plan was vital and we are very proud to say that participation for the 2023 Plan exceeded that for the 2017 Plan!

 

  

 

 

Resolve to be Ready!!

Make a Resolution

• Make an emergency plan: choose a safe place to meet, learn evacuation routes, and establish an out-of-town contact.
• Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster.
• Get to know your neighbor and invite them to be a part of your emergency plan.
• Snap photos of important documents and save them in a secure place or online.
• Set up group text lists so you can communicate with friends and family during emergencies.
• Take a class in CPR and first aid.
• Keep and update emergency supplies; remember to include cash.
• Have back-up power sources available to charge devices in case of a power outage.
• Snap pictures of your property for insurance purposes.
• Check your insurance for coverage on disasters like floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
• Sign up for alerts and warnings. Download the FEMA app to get real-time alerts, safety tips, and locate open shelters.
• Save for a rainy day! Start and grow your emergency fund.
• Financially prepare for the New Year. Find out how with the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.
• Spend within your means. Use a personal budgeting worksheet to help plan for holiday expenses and beyond.
• Build up your savings. Put a small amount in your account the first of every month beginning January 1.

 

Get Tech Ready

• Download the FEMA app to get real-time alerts, safety tips, and locate open shelters.
• Sign up to receive text or email alerts about emergencies from your local Office of Emergency Management.
  
  

Preparedness Tips

• Include cash in your emergency supply kit. During an extended power outage, ATMs and credit card machines may not work.
• Check-in with neighbors to see how you can help each other out before and after a storm.
• Pick an out-of-town person for everyone to contact during an emergency.
• Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as having a conversation over dinner. Make a plan tonight.
• As part of your family’s emergency supply kit, include games and toys to keep children entertained.
• Get prepared by having an emergency supply kit already stored.
• Make a list of the things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly.
• Prepare your car for winter: keep your gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Make a plan to check on neighbors if extreme cold or winter weather knocks out your power.
• Learn how to shut off the utilities where you live, including water, electricity, and gas.
• Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans!
• Assemble supplies for a “go-bag” you can carry if you need to evacuate.
• Make a portable emergency kit for your car.
  
  

Planning with Pets

• Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster.
• Search online today for local pet-friendly evacuation locations in case you need to evacuate.
• Update your pet’s microchip registration info so you can be contacted if your pet gets lost in a disaster.
• Put your name and contact information on your pet’s ID tag in case you’re separated in an emergency.
• Remember to include your pets in your family's emergency plans.

 

 

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A NOAA Weather Radio is an automated 24-hour source of weather forecasts, watches, and warnings provided by the National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). When an alert is issued, the devices will sound an alarm and broadcast information about the hazard. When there is no severe weather or emergency, radios can be switched to a silent, stand-by mode. Many devices also feature a battery back-up, so alerts can still be received if power is lost during a storm.

Working with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System, NWR is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages). 

Where can I get a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver? Your local electronics store, and many department stores, will most likely carry a receiver with the latest features. The price of around $20 - $80 is minimal compared to the safety and peace of mind it can offer you and your family. Weather Radio can also benefit the hearing impaired.

A weather radio is just one of many tools that people can rely on to receive critical alerts about dangerous weather. Everyone is encouraged to have multiple ways to receive notifications, including Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile devices, checking in with local media, and listening for outdoor warning sirens. You should never rely on a single source to receive potentially life-saving warnings.

To become a volunteer member fill out
the application below and submit
Volunteer Application

  

 

Smart911 

Alternative Weather Spotter
2 hour online course follow the link:
https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_course.php?id=23

 

If You See Something, Say Something
 https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something

 

The following opens a 1 page PDF:
7 Signs of Terrorism

 

McHenry County EMA APP

 

Up your preparedness- add the app today! Available on Google Play and the App Store FREE.

The McHenry County EMA app is a tool that can be used to assist residents becoming more aware of potential hazards. App features include information on how to prepare before, during, and after certain types of disasters. The app also has Social Media Integration, customizable preparedness checklists, and the ability to notify EMA of personal property damage to name a few. This app is intended to provide you with everyday information about our office and the services we provide, as well as the ability to provide emergency notifications and information to your phone.

Google QR Code	Twitter & Facebook Integration
	Local Weather Alerts
	Road Conditions
	Damage Reports
	Emergency Information

 

**This app is not intended to replace your primary means of emergency notification

 

Are you Prepared?

McHenry County Emergency Management Agency would like to remind you that now is the perfect time to review your Family’s Emergency Plan and check the supplies in your Emergency Kit or to take some time and create these life-saving tools. We all know first-hand the impact severe weather can have, whether it is flooding, winter weather or heat advisory. No matter what the disaster is, there are simple preparedness steps that anyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones in a time of need. To assist the community with this effort the Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin Regional Catastrophic Planning Team (IL-IN-WI RCPT) has launched Gear Up, Get Ready campaign to encourage households to take key steps in family preparedness. This mission encompasses 19 counties and communities in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

By taking a few simple steps ahead of time, you and your family can be ready when disaster strikes:

1. Make a Family Emergency Plan decide how you will reconnect with each other, list important information and phone numbers and discuss the plan with all members and post it in your home where visitors can view it.
2. Gather supplies for an Emergency Kit and put them in one place to meet your family’s needs for three days. You may already have three days of food already within your home. Top five items include, water, non-perishable food, battery powered radio, flashlight & extra batteries and a first aid kit. Be sure to meet the specific needs of your family and pets.

Simple templates for Family Emergency Plan and Emergency Contact Cards as well as Emergency Kit checklists are available at www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/gearupgetready/home.html

 

211 in McHenry County

The 211 service streamlines access to health and human services for McHenry County residents. When an individual needs information or referral services for which they have little or no prior knowledge or experience, dialing 211 is a simple option. Once the individual dials 211, they will be connected to a call center where they will speak to a professional information and referral specialist who will refer or connect the caller to the appropriate agency.

 

Click for weather forecast

 

Follow @McHenryEMA