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Disaster Proclamations

Disaster Proclamations

Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Legislative Branch
Executive Orders
Proclamations

Disaster Proclamations are an official declaration issued by the Governor when an event or circumstance—such as severe weather, public health emergencies, or other significant disruptions—threatens public safety or causes widespread damage. Issuing a Disaster Proclamation authorizes the state to mobilize additional resources, expedite emergency response operations, and coordinate assistance among state, local, and federal agencies. This designation enhances the state’s ability to protect residents, support affected communities, and facilitate recovery efforts.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Proclamations are now archived. Please see the Coronavirus Proclamations page to see that historical data.

Coronavirus Proclamations

Disaster Proclamations

Governor JB Pritzker has issued a number of disaster proclamations to ensure public health and safety throughout his term in office. These disaster declarations address a range of emergencies, including tornadoes, public health emergencies and flooding. They assist in coordinating available federal resources with local officials and residents. 

Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, Will Storms - August 16~19

Calhoun, Cook, and Jersey Storms – July 2025

Cook County Flood 2023

June to July 2023 Storm

Declares Coles, Cook, Edgar, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Sangamon, and Washington Counties as disaster areas following flooding, tornadoes and severe weather that occurred June 29 – July 4. The Proclamation directs the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan and coordinate State resources to support local governments in disaster response and recovery operations.

Tornado Damage

Declares Boone, Crawford, DuPage, Marion and Sangamon Counties as disaster areas following tornadoes and severe weather on Friday, March 31, 2023. The Proclamation directs the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan and coordinate State resources to support local governments in disaster response and recovery operations.

Worker's Rights

Announces the passage of the Workers’ Right Amendment, after being certified by the State Board of Elections, and passed with 54.5 percent of total ballots cast.  This amendment enshrines the right to collective bargaining in the Illinois Constitution and asked voters to establish a constitutional right to negotiate “wages, hours, and working conditions, and to protect their economic welfare and safety at work.”  

Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation for Asylum Seekers 

On August 31st, 2022, without notice, Illinois and Chicago received buses sent by the the State of Texas, transporting Central and South Americans seeking asylum in the United States. In the interest of aiding the people of Illinois and the local governments responsible for ensuring public health, safety and welfare, Governor JB Pritzker has declared the state of Illinois as a disaster area allowing the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan, coordinate State resources, and aid with emergency purchases necessary for response. Illinois Department of Human Services will serve as the lead agency in this effort. 

Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation

Declares the State of Illinois as a disaster area due to the monkeypox virus effective August 30, 2022. The EO directs the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan, coordinate State resources, and aid with emergency purchases necessary for response.

Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation for Interco Fire

Declares the Madison County and St. Clair County as a disaster due to the large fire at the Interco metaltronics recycling facility effective August 10, 2022. The EO directs the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan, coordinate State Resources, and aid with emergency purchases necessary for response. 

Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation

Declares the State of Illinois as a disaster area due to the monkeypox virus effective August 1, 2022. The EO directs the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan, coordinate State resources, and aid with emergency purchases necessary for response.

Gubernational Disaster Proclamation

Declares St. Clair County and Washington County as disaster areas following flash flooding and excessive rainfall that occurred on July 29, 2022.  The EO directs the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan and coordinate State resources to support local governments in disaster response and recovery operations.

Highland Park Mass Shooting

Winter Storm Landon

Forecasts indicate that Winter Storm Landon will impact a substantial majority of the counties in Illinois, causing significant snowfall ranging from nine to 18 inches of snow across large portions of Illinois, along with sleet, ice, rain, and high winds. Since local resources and capabilities may be exhausted, State resources are needed to respond and recover from the storm. This proclamation shall be effective immediately.

Recent Winter Storms

In response to the recent winter storms causing large snow accumulations and frigid windchill temperatures, this proclamation declares all counties in the State of Illinois as disaster areas. Since local resources and capabilities may be exhausted, State resources are needed to recover from the effects of the severe winter weather. This proclamation shall be effective immediately and remain in effect for 30 days.

Chicago Protest

Following George Floyd’s death, large public protests emerged in communities across the United States, including Chicago and throughout Illinois. Thousands of people expressed their pain, fear and rage at the deaths of African Americans, caused by centuries of individual and systemic racism. After hours of peaceful protests, tensions heightened with aggressive action, including setting cars on fire, vandalizing buildings, and looting. The City of Chicago and several other communities requested assistance from the State of Illinois. These proclamations shall be effective immediately and remain in effect for 30 days from their issuance.

Bureau County Flooding

The City of DePue in Bureau County suffered significant and extensive damage due to thunderstorms on May 28, 2020. The area saw 3.00 inches of rain in 50 minutes, causing high impact flash flooding. As a result, its residents continue to struggle to repair the damages. Therefore, this proclamation declares Illinois a disaster area, specifically Bureau County. This proclamation shall be effective immediately and remain in effect for 30 days.