Illinois

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Illinois experiences a range of weather, with hot, humid summers often reaching the 80s and 90s, while winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures dipping below freezing. The state is prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly in the spring.

  Tornados

  Illinois peak tornado season runs from March to May, with an average of 46 tornadoes occurring annually in the state. While most tornadoes are not severe, some can cause significant damage. If you hear a siren, it's crucial to immediately head to your designated tornado shelter or safe room. It's also wise to keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for several days and to regularly practice your family's tornado plan, just as you would a fire escape plan. Tornado siren testing schedules vary by location, so it’s best to check with the local county for specific details.

  Prepare

  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.

  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.

• Neighbourhoods

  Belleville

  Belleville is located approximately 10 miles east of Scott Air Force Base (AFB). Belleville, and surrounding communities such as Shiloh, O'Fallon, and Fairview Heights offer a range of housing options.

  Neighborhood Navigator: A tool from Military One Source that helps you explore and learn more about a community, including information on schools, amenities, demographics, and more. 

• Scott Air Force Base

  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source or the Scott Air Force Base - 375th FSS website. 

  Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards should have access to Scott AFB, which offers a commissary, exchange, and various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Amenities include a fitness center, youth center, child development center, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The base also provides camping, fishing, and community programs for military members and their families.

   
• Getting Around

  Getting around Belleville is mostly car-dependent, with main roads like IL-15 and IL-159 providing access to St. Louis and surrounding areas. Traffic can be heavier near Scott Air Force Base during peak hours. Public transportation is available through MetroLink, which connects Belleville to St. Louis, along with MetroBus services covering key local areas.

• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility

  The 375th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base provides comprehensive medical care to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.

  Unsure about your healthcare coverage? Visit our Healthcare in the U.S. webpage, where you'll find tailored pathways for personalized coverage details. 
• Critters & Wildlife

  Illinois is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake and copperhead, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in wooded areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, ants, and occasional encounters with black bears in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Illinois has a broader range of reptiles and insects, so routine pest control is recommended to manage mosquitoes, termites, and other pests that thrive in the state’s humid and varied climate.

• Children's Education

  There are several public schools within a 25-mile radius of Belleville.

  • Belleville Township High School District 201
  • Belle Valley School District 119
  • Whiteside School District 115
  • Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19

  
  It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters.

  Scott AFB School Liaison Program

• Child Care

  Child Development Centers

  Child Development Centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care, and respite care. Child Development Centers vary in size, and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

  For a full list of military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps, visit MilitaryChildCare.com. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.

  Additional Child and Developement Resources

  Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.

• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses

  The Illinois Secretary of State provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses. Illinois offers a "Real ID" compliant driver's license, which can be used for federal identification purposes.