A new user-friendly website called Disasterassistance.gov will help ease the frustation felt by disaster victims required to search through multiple federal programs to find aid. The FEMA website, unveiled on Dec. 31, will centralize the application process for federal disaster assistance and offer a clearinghouse for information on programs administered at the federal, state and local levels.

To develop the website, DHS/FEMA partnered with 16 federal agencies that collectively sponsor more than 50 forms of disaster assistance. For the initial launch phase, the site will include only limited forms of federal assistance. Over the coming months, the website will add federal assistance programs administered at the state level, then local and tribal, and finally those of public non-profit organizations.

The hazards posed by winter storms and extreme cold can be catastrophic. However, you can take actions now that will increase your chances of surviving winter storms and extreme cold. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has developed a Winter Storm Preparedness document with tips on staying safe and warm during the winter months.

For additional information on winter storm preparedness, see the Winter Storms section of the Ready Illinois website.

Being prepared for disasters and emergencies is important for everyone, but it can be even more critical for special needs individuals, who may rely on the assistance of others during an emergency. A new publication developed by a team of emergency management and health professionals addresses the unique preparedness considerations of individuals with functional needs and their caregivers. "Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with Functional Needs" offers preparedness tips for people with visual, cognitive, or mobility impairments; citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing; those who utilize service animals or life support systems; and seniors. Please click here for more information.