State Police honor Scott’s Law Day
SPRINGFIELD – Motorists are reminded they should move over for vehicles on the shoulder every year on this date in Illinois. Scott’s Law Day is every December 23rd in honor of Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago…
Proper Christmas Tree disposal important
LISLE – A dry Christmas tree after the holidays have ended can quickly become a fire hazard, so authorities urge that once the tree shows signs of drying out it should be disposed of. Homeowners should never…
Area health departments remind everyone about food safety this holiday season
OTTAWA – Area health departments are reminding everyone responsible for cooking holiday meals or dishes to be mindful of proper food handling procedures. The CDC notes that although anyone can get a foodborne illness, pregnant women…
State Police honor Scott’s Law Day
SPRINGFIELD – Motorists are reminded they should move over for vehicles on the shoulder every year on this date in Illinois. Scott’s Law Day is every December 23rd in honor of Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago…
Red Cross offers safety tips to prevent house fires over the holidays
CHICAGO – The American Red Cross is offering safety tips to prevent house fires over the holidays. They suggest besides testing your smoke detectors each month, that you should also use caution when heating your home, especially…
Turkey Preparation Key to Safe Thanksgiving
OTTAWA – With Thanksgiving approaching the CDC wants to remind those in charge of cooking to be aware of some tips to keep the holiday safe and healthy. They say that you should thaw your turkey in…
A look back at the tradition of the ‘Turkey Pardon’
WASHINGTON – A long standing tradition at the White House is the yearly tradition of pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey. Claims vary as to who began the tradition, from Abraham Lincoln to Dwight Eisenhower, but the most documented…
Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires
SPRINGFIELD – Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment, with four times the average number occurring. Ranges and cook-tops account for almost three out of every five home fires reported involving cooking, with…
Great American Smoke Out event Thursday
OTTAWA – This Thursday, smokers will be challenged to quit for the day as part of the Great American Smoke Out. The LaSalle County Health Department is in on the movement sponsored by the American Cancer Society…
114th anniversary of the Cherry Mine Disaster
CHERRY – It was 114 years ago today on November 13, 1909 over 250 men and boys died during fire in Bureau County in what was to become known as the Cherry Mine Disaster. A coal car…
State agencies remind residents to prepare for winter weather in November
SPRINGFIELD –The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging all Illinoisans to make safety a priority as winter returns to the state. To help Illinoisans prepare for the changing weather, IEMA and the NWS developed a Winter…
IEMA encourages Illinois residents to prepare for earthquakes
SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of the earthquake risk posed by the New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management agencies are preparing for the annual drill this week. “While…
Local cooling centers to help beat the heat
As the temperatures begin to rise today and tomorrow, please keep cool and hydrated. Check on loved ones and keep pets indoors as much as possible. If you need a reprieve from the heat, there are some…
Back-to-School is time to review emergency preparedness plans
SPRINGFIELD – As students go back to school this month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency recommends that all families review their own emergency plans and school safety plans. Whether your children are in school, on a bus,…
Free boating safety class to be offered at Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
OTTAWA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer free safe boating class at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. The class is open to everyone age 11 and older. Students under age 16 should be accompanied…