I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer! As we move into the fall season I want to share some things to help you remain safe, and also to remind you of some safety events that are coming up in our community that you will not want to miss.
One of the most important things to remember about fall is that the weather is getting a little cooler and that the chance of unpredictable weather increases. This being said, it is wise to always be prepared when you are traveling or venturing outside for a bike ride or a picnic.
Always carry extra water, a jacket or blanket in your car, and tune in to the radio for updated weather reports. Sudden storms can create flash flooding conditions, lighting, and even tornadoes. Keeping up to date and informed of the weather is one of the best ways to prevent from getting into a dangerous situation.
There may be days in the fall where you may want to throw a log into the fireplace or turn on the gas to the fireplace. Regardless, one of the best things you can do to keep your home fire safe is to have your chimney professionally cleaned. A clean chimney will prevent accumulated soot and carbon from causing an uncontrolled fire in your fireplace and chimney, and also protect you from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
September is National Preparedness Month where we pay extra attention to being prepared as a nation, community and individuals. The purpose is to bring awareness to our communities that we are not immune to disasters and that we need to be prepared in case we are faced with an event, much like the floods of last December in southern Illinois. One of the most important things to remember is to have enough water, food, and prescribed medicine(s) to last you for at least three days. In addition, if you have pets, make sure that they too have enough water, food and medications to last those three days.
The last thing I would like to leave with you is a reminder to never leave your car running in your garage! Always shut off your vehicle motor when you are in an enclosed area. If you do not, high carbon monoxide gas levels will accumulate and these high gas levels are dangerous to life and health, not to mention that they are also extremely flammable. Always think about safety!
Here are some of the events that are coming up in the next few months:
* September is National Preparedness Month
* Community CPR Class at 8 a.m. on Sept. 24, 740 Dundee Road, Northbrook. This class is being sponsored and taught by the Northbrook Fire Department. Contact David.Crawford@northbrook.il.us if you are interested in attending. The class is free.
* Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9 through 15. The Northbrook Fire Department will host its annual open House from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 15. We hope to see you there to meet Sparky the fire dog and participate in the festivities.
* Our Lady of the Brook & St. Norbert invite you to a special presentation and panel discussion, Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships. It will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Oct. 1 at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook.
I hope that you have a wonderful fall season and that you remain safe in the company of family and friends. The Northbrook Fire Department is honored and proud to serve you and uphold our motto of Our Family Helping Yours.
If you should have questions, you may contact me at nbkfire@northbrook.il.us
