The Illinois Terrorism Task Force (ITTF) is charged with the task of assuring that Illinois is ready to respond to an act of terrorism. Due to the commitment of the members of the Task Force and the ability of the associated agencies to come together in a spirit of cooperation and teamwork, Illinois has plans in place to deal with a terrorist attack in our state. Rod Blagojevich, Governor Jennifer Ricker Deputy Chief of Staff, Public Safety Andrew Velasquez III Director, Illinois Emergency Management Homeland Security Advisor Michael Chamness Chairman, Illinois Terrorism Task Force

The Ready Illinois Web Site (www.Ready.Illinois.gov) offers comprehensive information on steps to take before, during and after a disaster or emergency. During a large-scale disaster, current information about the situation, including details about such things as road closures and shelters, can be posted on the site to keep residents informed. The new Web site was unveiled during the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's statewide conference in September 2007. [Full Story]

Campus Safety Initiatives

The shootings at Virginia Tech in April 2007, and more recently at Northern Illinois University in February 2008, have called attention to the critical importance of campus security. In late April 2007, Governor Blagojevich announced three initiatives to enhance safety at Illinois institutions of higher education: 1) the creation of a Campus Safety Task Force, 2) more than $300,000 in grants to help colleges prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, 3) the addition of college officials and campus security representatives to the Illinois Terrorism Task Force. [Full Story]

Statewide Deployable Teams

Strategic and tactical equipment and communications are an integral component to the success and the quality of local, regional and statewide response to a major event. A disaster can strike anywhere in the state, whether it's a hazardous material or weapons of mass destruction or a natural disaster like a tornado or flood. It is critical that state and local emergency responders have the equipment needed to effectively respond to any type of disaster. To enhance local, regional and statewide response coordination and communications, Illinois has utilized U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funding to purchase various emergency management, fire service, and law enforcement response vehicles. In 2006, Illinois continued the implementation or completed four of these vehicle acquisition and deployment projects. The following is a summary of the regionally deployed Unified Command Post Vehicle, Illinois Transportable Emergency Communications System, Mass Decontamination Vehicle, and Armored Personnel Transport Vehicle projects. [Full Story]

Statewide Homeland Security Exercise

With the prospect of a pandemic influenza outbreak threatening the world, the need to prepare for such events prior to their occurrence is critical. As a National leader in homeland security preparedness, the State of Illinois strives to improve our exemplary ability to coordinate local response activities and rapidly provide life saving services to protect our citizens during an emergency or disaster. This process includes regular exercises or drills to validate our preparedness activities. [Full Story]

State Emergency Operations Center

On October 26, 2005, Illinois' State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was dedicated, furthering the state's abilities to prevent and respond to natural and man-made disasters. The state-of-the-art facility brings together key decision makers and equips them with cutting-edge technology to better protect the lives and property of Illinois' residents for decades to come. [Full Story]

Illinois Response to Hurricane Katrina

The destruction from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita generated the largest deployment of mutual aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) in its history. Civilian personnel from all disciplines and National Guard troops were deployed in unprecedented numbers. [Full Story]