In the wake of the deadly tornado that struck an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville back in December 2021, Illinois lawmakers are taking action to improve worker safety during severe weather.
The Illinois Senate has passed the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act, a measure sponsored by Senator Christopher Belt of Swansea. He says the law is designed to close serious gaps in emergency planning at large warehouse facilities.

Under the legislation, warehouse operators will have 120 days from the law’s effective date to submit tornado safety plans for each facility. Those plans must include evacuation routes, shelter locations, emergency supply inventories, and post-disaster procedures. Required supplies include food, water, first aid kits, and tools for communication.

The bill also requires new warehouses to meet stricter construction standards for tornado safety. Starting in 2027, building inspectors must hold special certifications from the International Code Council based on their area of inspection.

Senator Belt says the legislation is meant to honor the lives lost in the 2021 storm and prevent future tragedies.

House Bill 2987 now heads to the governor’s desk.