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In The News
It’s officially spooky season! As the leaves begin to change colors and Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected, because when it comes to emergencies, we’d much rather have treats than tricks!
Our October edition of the Peoria Co. Emergency Management Agency Newsletter, The Emergency Connection is here, packed with practical information, preparedness insights, and a few timely lessons from the world of disaster response.
Inside this month’s newsletter:
- FEMA Core Capabilities – We’re continuing our look at FEMA’s Core Capabilities and how they help communities prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters.
- Debris Management – Disasters can leave behind much more than memories. This month, we continue exploring debris management and the important role it plays in an effective disaster response and recovery.
- Reel Response: Deepwater Horizon – Grab the popcorn! This month’s Reel Response looks at the movie Deepwater Horizon and examines disaster response through the lens of a major industrial incident.
- Community Dependencies – No community operates in isolation. This section looks at the systems, services, organizations, and resources that communities depend on and how understanding those connections can strengthen resilience.
- Wisdom of Preparedness – A little preparedness wisdom can go a long way.
So, while you’re checking your Halloween decorations, stocking up on candy, and preparing for trick-or-treaters, take a few minutes to prepare for the real-life “what ifs,” too. Because the scariest emergency is the one you’re not prepared for. A little preparedness today can make a big difference when tomorrow brings the unexpected.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and have a spook-tacular October!
You are invited to register for the upcoming Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative Compliance Overview for contractors, grantees, and loan recipients. This virtual session is scheduled for March 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This training will provide a comprehensive overview of the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, including recent legislative and policy updates, program requirements, and compliance expectations. Participants will also receive detailed guidance on completing required reporting forms accurately and in alignment with current standards. The session is intended to promote consistent program implementation and provide clarity on common compliance and reporting requirements.
We strongly encourage attendance from all staff members who are involved in apprenticeship programming, compliance oversight, data reporting, or contract management. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to share this invitation with appropriate members of your team to ensure your organization is well represented.
Please register using the link below:
We appreciate your continued collaboration and commitment to advancing the goals of Illinois Works. We look forward to your participation and to supporting your ongoing compliance efforts.
Sincerely,
Maria Perez
Senior Apprenticeship Initiative Program Manager
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
We are pleased to share our February edition of the Peoria Co. Emergency Management Agency Newsletter “The Emergency Connection”. This edition highlights not only the operational frameworks that guide emergency management, but also the human behaviors and decision-making patterns that influence how communities respond before, during, and after disasters.
As community leaders and trusted partners, your role in reinforcing steady, informed, and coordinated preparedness messaging is essential. By aligning our planning efforts with FEMA’s core capabilities and encouraging realistic scenario testing, we can move from reactive to resilient. We encourage you to review the newsletter and share it within your networks.
Together, we prepare smarter.