SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is stressing the importance of emergency  preparedness throughout May as part of its 2013 preparedness campaign.

“Businesses that emphasize emergency preparedness both in the workplace and for their employees at home help protect their most important assets, their employees,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken.  “Throughout May, we’re encouraging businesses to take a look at their workplace emergency plans, conduct safety drills and encourage their employees to put together a home emergency supply kit and family communications plan.”

Monken said his agency plans to provide preparedness information and tips to staff throughout May. 

IEMA says to develop a plan that addresses each threat, taking into consideration different shifts.

 Other parts of an emergency plan include:

PINVKNEYVILLE, IL (KFVS)  - A letter from the City Clerk's desk explains the new details for City Council meetings in Pinckneyville, Ill.

The Pinckneyville City Council will hold regular meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the hour of 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 104 South Walnut Street, Pinckneyville, Ill.

Meetings falling on holidays will be held on the following Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Further notice will be given of Special, Rescheduled or Reconvened Meetings.

Copyright KFVS 2013. All rights reserved.

With the holidays coming up fast, Black Friday will be here before we know it.

Every year we hear about the craziness at big name stores like Walmart, Target, etc. As a change of pace, we want to hear from local, small businesses and others in the community!

Will you be having any Black Friday sales or deals? If so, what are they? What are some tips you can give to people in your community wanting to shop more "local?"

If you're a local restaurant, will you have different hours and specials to cater to the Black Friday shoppers?

Is anyone in the community: churches, community centers, etc. offering babysitting for those that will be out in the early a.m. for shopping?

You can e-mail Amber Ruch, County News Web Producer at aruch@kfvs12.com. The information you provide will be featured online and on-air. Make sure to include a picture or two of your business!