Ready for what Illinois actually throws at you.
Tornadoes across the prairie, catastrophic Mississippi River floods, derechos, blizzards, and a New Madrid earthquake risk that most Chicagoans have never heard of.
About this guide
Illinois spans a thousand miles of climate and risk. Chicago and the northeast sit in the Lake Michigan weather shadow — lake-effect snow, brutal wind chills, and the occasional surprise tornado. Central Illinois is flat, open prairie — tornado and severe thunderstorm country with few natural windbreaks and long warning times if you're paying attention. Southern Illinois borders the Mississippi River flood plain and sits above the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The August 2020 derecho tore across Illinois with 100+ mph winds, causing widespread crop damage. The 1993 Great Flood submerged hundreds of communities along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Preparation looks different in Chicago, Peoria, and Cairo — enter your ZIP to see what matters where you live.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Tornadoes & Derechos, Flooding, Blizzards & Extreme Cold
IL has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5a (Chicago metro / Lake Michigan shore) to 7a (southern tip / Cairo area)
Unemployment: up to $628 (up to $859 with dependent child allowance)/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the IL risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours