Blog Posts

a fire burns at night in California just outside a city
Read article: Santa Ana winds spur Los Angeles wildfires
Santa Ana winds spur Los Angeles wildfires
At the time I’m writing this, a tragedy is occurring in the Los Angeles area. Thousands of acres have burned, and countless homes, businesses, and...
ISPP Scholar Shreya Joshi
Read article: In her own words: ISPP Scholar Shreya Joshi
In her own words: ISPP Scholar Shreya Joshi
As an ISPP Scholar, Shreya Joshi is appointed to the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology. Her work focuses on business analytics for...
Read article: Financial Emergency Preparedness: Are you ready to weather the unexpected?
Financial Emergency Preparedness: Are you ready to weather the unexpected?
A financial emergency is any expense or loss of income you do not plan for, like a missed paycheck, a damaged roof, a flat tire, or a medical bill....
a weather map of a hurricane
Read article: Why hurricanes strike around Labor Day weekend
Why hurricanes strike around Labor Day weekend
Labor Day weekend is usually considered the last holiday of summer. It’s one last chance to gather with friends and family for a cookout, games, or...

News Releases

A group of Holstein dairy cattle walking through a flooded barn area
Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan
URBANA — When tornado sirens become frequent and sudden storms appear out of thin air, it becomes apparent there is a need for a disaster preparedness plan for farmers and large animal owners alike. What happens when disaster strikes and a herd of cattle are grazing pasture?Dr. Yvette...
Sun rise with electrical towers in front
Reduce energy consumption and stay safe during summer heat waves 
URBANA, Ill. — The first heat wave of the summer hit the Midwest earlier than usual this week, with a heat index forecast of up to 105 degrees, pushing many indoors to stay cool. All those air conditioning units running almost nonstop put pressure...
tornado over hay field
Is Your Family Prepared for a Natural Disaster?
Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid airmasses from the Gulf of Mexico have collided with the cooler, dryer air from Canada, resulting in unstable atmospheric conditions. Although thunderstorms and tornadoes can happen anytime...

Videos

Forecasting the Weather: Keeping Your Family Safe in Severe Weather

Severe weather events can be scary, but knowing what to do in these situations can help to keep you and your family safe. TV Meteorologist Nick Hausen talks about what you should do and where you should go to be prepared during severe weather watches and warnings to stay safe. Video by Illinois...

Electrical Hazards During and After a Storm

It is important to prepare in advance for a severe storm or natural disaster. Gathering emergency kit items, having a communication plan in place and knowing when, how and where to take shelter saves lives. It is easy to be complacent about storms or think that they won’t strike close to home....