Emergency Management Agency

JUNE 7, 2008 TORNADOES

A powerful storm swept through the Will County area during the late afternoon on Saturday, June 7.  Tornadoes produced damage to homes, businesses, and farms in the Wilmington area, Green Garden Township, Monee, and University Park before continuing into Cook County. 

Approximately twelve homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, as well as numerous sheds and barns.  High voltage power lines were down across Interstate 57 near Monee.  Five people were injured on Interstate 57 when their vehicles were overturned.  Two people in Green Garden Township sustained minor injuries when their house was damaged.  Power was out in many areas.  

Harold Damron, Emergency Management Director for Will County reported that the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated as the storm was approaching Will County.  Storm warnings were issued ahead of the storm’s approach.  Will County Executive Lawrence Walsh met with other County officials at the EOC to assess damage and coordinate support for emergency operations.  

A forward command post was established in Green Garden Township.  The Will County Sheriff’s Office established heightened patrols in areas that were damaged and without power.  Local fire departments, emergency management personnel, public works crews, and many other agencies were called in to assist with response and clean-up operations.  Will County Land Use Department building officials checking damaged properties that were impacted.  

MIDWEST FLOOD RESPONSE & RECOVERY EFFORTS

As we look to our neighbors to the west, some of which are family and friends, the following is just a brief over view of what efforts are underway to assist with the Midwest Flooding.  FEMA's focus remains on disaster operations in states where river levels remain high and flooding continues.  As waters recede in the impacted states, the federal agency’s focus shifts to the safe return of residents to their homes, the reestablishment of critical infrastructure, the removal of debris and hazardous materials, and a review of housing available to meet temporary housing needs.  

Family Preparedness

Knowing how to shut off your utilities in an emergency is vital.  See our diagram poster providing tips on "HOW TO SHUT OFF YOUR UTILITIES DURING AN EMERGENCY."  

When the power goes out, many of us resort to the use of portable generators for power.  Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous.  See "PORTABLE GENERATOR FACT SHEET" to help keep you safe.  

For more information on Family Preparedness, visit our Family Disaster Plan page.

NIMS Compliance Training Opportunities

ICS 300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
Two opportunities to attend:  July 28-29, 2008 – or – July 30-31, 2008
Description:  This 2-day class is designed to meet the required objectives under the NIMS.  This course builds on the ICS 100 – 200 courses and is a pre-requisite for the ICS 400 course.
Who should attend:  Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding incidents or Type 3 incidents, which may involve activation of some or all of the Command and General Staff positions, as well as Division/Group Supervisor and/or Unit Leader level position.
Pre-Requisite:  successful completion of ICS-100, ICS-200 and ICS-700 (need to provide month and year completed.)  Command and General Staff experience is recommended.

ICS 400: Advanced ICS, Command and General Staff – Complex Incidents
Two opportunities to attend:  August 25-26, 2008 – or – August 27-28, 2008
Description:  This 2-day class is designed to meet the required objectives under the NIMS.  This course builds on the ICS 100 – 300 and expands on area command and multi-agency coordination systems.
Who should attend:  Senior level personnel who are expected to perform in a management capacity in an Area Command or Multi-Agency Coordination Entity representing Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Fire Service, Public Works, Public Health, Health Care, Communications, and General Government Administration.

For additional information or to obtain a registration form call 815-740-8351. 

Road Construction - Getting Around Illinois

Spring also starts road construction season.  Remember to take your time and follow speed limits during construction zones.  To find out where construction is underway on state routes, checkout gettingaroundillinois.com. 

Knowing How To Use 9-1-1 With the Phone You Own!

9-1-1 may be the most important phone number you ever dial.  Today with the many types of phone service available to us – traditional phones – cordless – cell – VoIP/Internet Phones.  Before you need help in an emergency, be sure to understand how the type of phone you use affects your call to 9-1-1.  This brochure, “Knowing How to Use 9-1-1 with the Phone You Own!”, will tell you how. 

Text Message Alert System

NOW AVAILABLE!

Will County is providing a new alerting service as a means of providing the public with emergency alert and notification information.  This service works by sending a text message to your cellular phone when County officials determine that an alert should be issued.

Current alerts available are:

• Emergency Community Alerts
  24 hour a day notifications (i.e. gas leaks, industrial accidents, traffic fatalities)
• Emergency Weather Alerts
  24 hour a day notifications (i.e. warnings, not watches)
• Non-Emergency Community Alerts
  Daily 7:00AM-8:00PM (i.e. waste removal, watering restriction, mosquito spraying, high pollen)

To sign up, click above on the hand-holding cell phone image, or simply click here.