Alan Kalter

Late-night viewers rarely take Alan Kalter seriously in his role as announcer and blowhard comedy foil on “Late Show with David Letterman.” But now Illinois broadcasters are hoping his words will be heeded.

Kalter is latest celebrity voice to record a series of public service announcements promoting disaster preparedness throughout the state.

Sponsored by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Kalter’s 30-second and 60-second messages began airing this week on more than 200 radio stations affiliated with the Illinois Broadcasters Association. Past participants in the campaign include the former team of Larry Lujack and Tommy Edwards (reprising their "Animal Stories" routine), TV and radio personality Steve Harvey, and actress Marion Ross.

“We’re thrilled Alan has agreed to participate in the ongoing Ready Illinois preparedness campaign promoting emergency preparedness and IEMA’s ready.illinois.gov website,” Dennis Lyle, president and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association, said in a statement. “Kalter provides the listener with just a hint of his trademark sarcasm while delivering a very serious message regarding the use of common sense when it comes to planning emergency preparedness for the home, work, car, and yes, even for pets.”

As if to prove the point, Kalter said in a statement: “The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Broadcasters Association wanted someone for this year’s Emergency Preparedness Campaign whom America associated with confidence, intelligence, common sense and reason. And when that celebrity turned them down, they asked Alan Kalter.”