Review calls for better Illinois disaster response

SPRINGFIELD — A review has found several shortfalls in Illinois’ readiness to respond to disasters and emergencies.

The review concluded that there could be better coordination with local communities on things like identifying and pre-registering volunteer health professionals who could be called upon during an emergency.

The review also found more needed to be done to identify populations at greater risk in the event of disasters, such as children with disabilities, and to plan for caring for them.

Those conclusions came from a new assessment tool called the National Health Security Preparedness Index.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck says last month’s deadly tornadoes were “a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared.”