Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: November 11, 2018
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 to ensure they’re prepared to stay safe and warm throughout the winter months.
“Our local, regional and federal EMA programs provide an invaluable service for our residents,” said Westmont Fire Chief and EMA Director David Weiss. “In Westmont, one of the services provided by our EMA volunteers is the monitoring of storm systems as they approach our community so that our emergency services can be ready to respond. I want to personally thank our local EMA members for all they do.”
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.gettingaroundillinois.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 also can cause power outages that can last several hours or several days. It’s important to have an emergency supply kit at home that includes:
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Battery-powered National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio
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Water and non-perishable food
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Flashlights
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Extra batteries
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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 at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.
For additional information regarding severe weather preparedness, contact the Westmont Fire Department at 630-981-6400.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont
Communications Director/Public Information Officer
630-417-0280
lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
