News Flash Home
The original item was published from 10/27/2020 9:01:44 AM to 11/2/2020 1:55:29 PM.

News Flash

General Press Releases

Posted on: October 27, 2020

[ARCHIVED] November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month

Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: October 27, 2020

The Westmont Fire Department would like to remind residents to be safe this winter and share some important safety tips.  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is recommending people to start taking steps now to ensure they’re prepared to stay safe and warm throughout the winter months.

 “With the cold weather approaching, the use of space heaters should be avoided,” said Westmont Deputy Fire Chief Kevin O’Hare.  “The biggest threat associated with space heaters is fire.  Additionally, please check in on friends and family that could use some extra attention to make sure they are staying warm in a safe manner.”  

Each year space heaters are responsible for about 55,000 fires, 450 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries.  There are a number of other ways that space heaters can lead to accidents and injuries. Space heaters use a lot of electricity, they can easily overload circuits causing a power failure or fire. Some parts of the heater can become extremely hot.  Children and pets are especially vulnerable to getting burned.  Some space heaters, especially taller ones can tip over easily, posing a fire hazard. 

Driving on snow or ice-covered roads can be extremely hazardous.  Before starting a trip when the weather is bad, be sure to check road conditions on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Winter Road Conditions Map at www.getting around illinois.com.

Drivers should be sure to stock their vehicles with an emergency supply kit, in the event they are stranded on the roadside and need to wait for assistance.  The emergency supply kit should include:

  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Non-perishable snack food
  • Water
  • Sand or cat litter
  • Shovel
  • Booster cables
  • Cell phone charger

Winter storms can also cause power outages that can last several hours or several days. It’s important to have an emergency supply kit at home that includes:

  • Battery-powered National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio
  • Water and non-perishable food
  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit and supplies for pets and family members with special medical needs

More winter tips for staying safe at home and on the road are available in a guide developed by IEMA and the National Weather Service can be found on the Ready Illinois website.

For additional information regarding severe weather preparedness, contact the Westmont Fire Department at 630-981-6400.


###


Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont
Communications Director/Public Information Officer
630-417-0280
lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov


Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in General Press Releases

Mental Health Awareness For The Holidays

Posted on: December 5, 2023

Keeping Pets Safe in Cold Weather

Posted on: December 5, 2023

2024 Westmont Downtown Incentive Program

Posted on: November 9, 2023

Winter Window Mural Program

Posted on: November 8, 2023

Village Offices Holiday Schedule

Posted on: November 13, 2023

DuPage County 211 Services

Posted on: November 22, 2023

Severe Weather Warming Centers

Posted on: November 29, 2023

New Village Drop Box Location

Posted on: October 13, 2023

Holiday Tree Pickup Jan. 2-12

Posted on: November 20, 2023

Chicago Union Station Seeks Feedback

Posted on: November 21, 2023

WESTMONT 311 - Report A Concern

Posted on: November 6, 2023

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Posted on: October 18, 2023

2023 Used Vegetable Cooking Oil Recycling

Posted on: November 16, 2023

Westmont Police Host Winter Coat Drive

Posted on: October 10, 2023

Westmont Construction Project Updates

Posted on: October 13, 2023

Village Zoning Ordinance Review & Update

Posted on: September 28, 2023

Local Eagle Scout Campaign

Posted on: October 23, 2023

DuPage County Energy Assistance Program

Posted on: September 26, 2023

Drug Take Back Program A Big Success

Posted on: October 31, 2023

Police Dept. Service Awards

Posted on: October 23, 2023

October Proclaimed Arts DuPage Month

Posted on: October 6, 2023

2023 Wicked West Fest Events

Posted on: August 17, 2023

2023 Silent Parade Oct. 13

Posted on: August 18, 2023

Village Offices Closed Oct. 9

Posted on: September 7, 2023

Endless Summer Car Shows Return

Posted on: August 16, 2023

Back To School Safety

Posted on: August 7, 2023

Halloween Trick-or-Treating in Westmont

Posted on: October 11, 2023

Village Offices Closed Sept. 4

Posted on: July 28, 2023

Excessive Heat Warning August 22-24

Posted on: August 22, 2023

Back to School Resource Fair Aug. 12

Posted on: August 8, 2023

DuPage County Seeks Feedback

Posted on: July 27, 2023

West Nile Virus Update for DuPage

Posted on: July 17, 2023

Do Not Hesitate - Call 9-1-1

Posted on: June 21, 2023

Westmont Fire Department Promotions

Posted on: July 14, 2023

Village Construction Updates

Posted on: June 16, 2023

2022 Water Quality Report

Posted on: June 23, 2023

2023 Taste of Westmont

Posted on: June 2, 2023

BNSF Tracks Closed at Cass July 8

Posted on: June 7, 2023

Water and Garbage Rate Update

Posted on: April 21, 2023

Fire Department Promotions

Posted on: June 8, 2023

Westmont Compost Program

Posted on: April 11, 2023

West Quincy Streetscape Project

Posted on: April 19, 2023

Trustees Sworn Into Office

Posted on: May 5, 2023

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Posted on: April 6, 2023

2023-2024 Village Budget Presentation

Posted on: April 14, 2023

Fire Department Safety Update

Posted on: April 4, 2023

Call 811 JULIE Before You Dig

Posted on: March 23, 2023

Chief Riley Recognizes Fire Personnel

Posted on: March 10, 2023

METRA Launches metratracker.com

Posted on: January 18, 2023