State guide
Emergencies in Illinois
Who runs emergency management in Illinois, how warnings reach you and which hazards to plan for. In short, with links to the official sources.
Emergency number911Text 911 also works in many areas. If it does not, you get a bounce-back message.
State emergency managementIllinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
Phone alertsWireless Emergency AlertsOn by default on most phones. Check that emergency and public safety alerts are switched on.
Weather warningsNational Weather ServiceType your ZIP code for local warnings.
How to get warned in Illinois
- Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts on. They reach every compatible phone in the affected area, for extreme weather, evacuations and AMBER alerts. No sign-up is needed.
- Sign up for your county or city alerts. Most counties in Illinois run their own opt-in text and email system, which sends more local messages than WEA (road closures, boil-water notices, shelter openings). Find yours through your county emergency management office or the state agency.
- Get a NOAA Weather Radio. It sounds an alarm for warnings in your county even at night and during power or cell outages. Pick a model with SAME coding so it only alerts for your area.
- Know the difference: a watch means conditions are right for a hazard, so get ready; a warning means it is happening or about to, so act now.
Main hazards in Illinois
-
Tornadoes
At a warning, go straight to the lowest interior room without windows.
Hurricanes and tornadoes → -
Winter storms and cold
Blocked roads and multi-day power cuts. Keep supplies at home and in the car.
Winter storms and extreme cold → -
Heatwaves
Most victims are older people living alone. Water, shade and checking on neighbors.
Heatwave safety →
The basics for every home in Illinois
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Agency links checked in October 2026. Hazards listed are the main ones for the state as a whole; your county's hazard mitigation plan has the local picture. In an emergency, follow your local officials.