Springfield, IL – After a turbulent week of severe weather across Central Illinois, the U.S. National Weather Service Central Illinois is reminding residents of mental health and safety resources available to help manage storm-related stress and anxiety.
According to a post shared Monday by the agency, individuals experiencing heightened anxiety due to storms are encouraged to visit weather.gov/ilx/storm_anxiety for guidance. The page includes practical tools and preparedness strategies aimed at easing fear during weather emergencies.
The online hub offers tips from meteorologists, suggestions for developing family communication plans, sheltering advice, and steps to prepare for and respond to tornadoes and power outages. FEMA’s recommendations include creating hard copies of contact information, using text messaging when phone calls fail, and identifying out-of-town contacts to reconnect families in emergencies.
The site also features a recorded webinar from February, which includes insights from a mental health expert on coping mechanisms and treatment options for storm-related anxiety. The presentation can be especially helpful for families with children, the elderly, or individuals with special needs.
Officials suggest residents stay updated on weather developments through trusted sources such as NOAA Weather Radio, local news broadcasts, and social media alerts from verified government accounts.
To stay safe, the Weather Service urges families to discuss shelter plans in advance, practice drills on calm days, and consider improving home storm resistance.
Weather-related mental health support is a growing concern, and Central Illinois officials hope increased awareness will help communities feel more prepared and supported ahead of future severe weather events.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
