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Illinois Government News Network
I
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2014
The Illinois Office Of The State Fire Marshal Promotes Fire Safety During The Holiday Season
Christmas Trees and Decorations Could Pose Risks of Fires
SPRINGFIELD - As the holidays fast approach, the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) reminds the public about the dangers of home fire incidents involving Christmas trees and decorations during the months of December and January. Christmas trees, holiday decorations, overloaded extension cords, and the use of candles are linked to seasonal homes fires during the holiday season.
“As people engage in a variety of tasks and activities, often times basic fire safety takes a second place in the list of priorities,” said Larry Matkaitis, State Fire Marshal. “Residents should be proactive in discarding old decorations, extension cords, and remember to water natural Christmas trees frequently”.
Last year in Illinois 91 home fires reported were caused by Christmas trees and other decorations. Those fires resulted in more than $1.7 million in property losses.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2007 and 2011, fire departments in U.S. estimated that two out of five fires were linked to Christmas trees, holiday lights and other decorations, between December and January. On average the origin of 230 home fires were Christmas trees. Those fires resulted in the death of 9 civilians, 22 injuries, and close to $18.3 million in direct property damages.
The OSFM offers the following tips to residents:
Christmas trees
• When using an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as UL listed. Make sure artificial trees are tested and labeled as fire resistant.
• When using a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched. This could mean that the tree is brittle and dry, therefore making it hazardous.
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily. Put your tree in a sturdy water stand.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or space heaters.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the room or going to bed.
• After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
Holiday lights
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Only use “indoor” lights indoors, and “outdoor” lights only outdoors.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections.
• Use no more than three light sets on any extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards. Avoid running cords under rugs, around furniture legs or across doorways. Do not overload extension cords, outlets or power tips.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of LED strands that are safe to connect.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
Candles
December is the peak month for home candle fires, with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day representing two of the top five days for associated fires. More than half of all candle fires start when they are placed too close to combustible household items (i.e. curtains, lamp shades, other fabrics, and plastic) and holiday decorations (i.e., trees, garland, stockings, wrapping paper, and wrapped/boxed gifts).
• Consider fusing flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. If you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed in uncluttered surfaces.
• Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
• Always put candles out before leaving the room.
• Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains or drapes, or with any potentially flammable item.
For more information about fire safety and prevention, please visit http://www.sfm.illinois.gov or www.nfpa.org.
Illinois Lt. Governor's Office
Illinois State Police
Officials Aim to Modernize and Expedite Licensing Process for Efficiency
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) today announced the Agency will begin accepting on-line FOID applications beginning March 16, 2015, to provide a more streamlined and modernized application process. The ISP will no longer accept the current FOID paper applications after Monday, March 9, 2015; however, like the CCL, the new FOID application will be available through the Department's website or through the paper alternative call center method for those individuals who do not have computer access. Minors under the age of 21 without a state of Illinois Driver’s License or Identification card and Amish applicants will be required to complete an alternative call-in paper application.
The ISP has also made changes to the login for both the CCL and FOID applications. Applicants will no longer be required to obtain a state of Illinois digital I.D. through the Department of Central Management Services. This login change will allow users greater accessibility to the new application process. All new applicants and returning CCL applicants will need to register with the Illinois State Police by providing some key identifiers found on their Illinois Driver’s License or Identification card, creating a username and password, and answering four security questions. The CCL website will be unavailable beginning Friday, March 13, 2015, at 5:00 p.m., until Monday, March 16, 2015, at 7:00 a.m., in order to implement the new FOID system.
Federal Firearm Licensed (FFLs) dealers will also have access to the web-based portal in order to conduct the required background checks of those wishing to purchase a firearm. All FFL’s in the state of Illinois are required to register with the ISP via the website at www.ispffl.com or by calling 217-524-3847 to continue to perform background checks after the launch of the new system. The old FTIP system will be closed on March 15 at 4:00 p.m. to allow data to be transferred to the new system. Beginning March 16, at 8:30 a.m., firearm dealers will be able to submit firearm background transactions via the website and follow up on previously requested checks based upon a transaction number.
Firearm dealers using the web-portal during the first 30 days of implementation will be able to submit transactions at no cost. The traditional fee of $2.00 is being waived. Firearm dealers will also still have the option of using the 800# dial-up process; however, dealers will be charged the $2.00 processing fee for this option.
The new CCL and FOID application process is intended to provide a user-friendly portal designed to ease and streamline both application processes.
City of Chicago
March 26, 2015
Statement From Mayor Emanuel On Governor Rauner’s Call On Cities To Pass Right To Work Zone Resolutions
Mayor's Press Office 312.744.3334
“Governor Rauner is continuing his race to the bottom by asking cities like Chicago to pass ‘Right to Work’ zone resolutions. I will not support – and will oppose every step of the way – any such resolution in Chicago because I believe it directly threatens our strategic goal to strengthen Chicago’s middle class, not undermine it. We should instead be focused on rebuilding our neighborhood infrastructure, public transit, public schools, and public parks to keep growing local jobs. And that’s why I’ve launched an effort to build “Right to Thrive” zones that will protect our workers and provide an array of incentives to help businesses create jobs in struggling neighborhoods throughout our city.
Competing against Mississippi and Alabama for low wages is not a strategy to build a great city. When companies look for a new home or a place to grow, our competition is the other great cities of the world like New York, London, Beijing, and Tokyo. By building a stronger local economy with good-paying jobs, Chicago will continue to be among those great cities and every resident, from every neighborhood, will benefit.”
City of Champaign
Posted on March 6, 2015
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This weekend is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time. On Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., we change our clocks ahead. The City of Champaign Fire Department encourages everyone to “Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries.”
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke detectors or smoke detectors that failed to operate.
One of the main reasons why smoke detectors fail to operate is either there is not a battery present or the battery is dead. Working smoke detectors provide early warning; saving lives, preventing injury and reducing property damage. Smoke detector batteries should be changed twice a year and detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years or according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
According to Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig, “The most tragic loss of life is the one that could have easily been prevented with the installation of a new battery.”
Contact: John Koller, Fire Marshal
Phone: (217) 403-7210 / Cell: 217-281-1529
City of Peoria
Route 91 Road Closure
Beginning Wednesday, April 1, Illinois Route 91 will be closed between Grange Hall Road and Alta Lane. The posted detour will be along new Orange Prairie Road and War Memorial Drive. This closure is associated with the City of Peoria’s construction of Orange Prairie Road and is expected to be in effect until mid-summer. During this closure, the north, south and west legs of the Illinois Route 91/Grange Hall Road/Orange Prairie Road intersection will be open. All traffic must come to a stop at this intersection.
After the lane closure, the intersection will re-open permanently as a four-way intersection. Please use caution in construction zones. Be alert for new traffic patterns. The City of Peoria thanks you for your patience.
Please call City of Peoria, Public Works Department at (309) 494-8800 if you have any questions.
Village of Schaumburg
MUNICIPAL CENTER / 101 SCHAUMBURG COURT / SCHAUMBURG, IL 60193-1899 847.895.4500 / DIAL 311 IN SCHAUMBURG / WWW.VILLAGEOFSCHAUMBURG.COM PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 27, 2015 Contact: Allison Albrecht 847.923.4710 aalbrecht@villageofschaumburg.com Schaumburg Seeking Nominations for the Al Larson Environmental Awards Schaumburg, IL – The Village of Schaumburg’s Environmental Committee is now accepting nominations for the Al Larson Environmental Awards. The awards are given out on an annual basis to recognize Schaumburg residents and businesses engaged in environmentally-friendly practices like water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling and efficient transportation choices such as hybrid or electric vehicles. To be eligible for the award, properties must be in compliance with village ordinances and codes. Projects no older than three years may be submitted for consideration. Applications for the award must be submitted by Tuesday, April 21. The awards will be presented at a Village Board meeting in June. For more information, including eligibility requirements and applications, visit the Green Recognition Program in the Green Corner on the village’s website at http://www.ci.schaumburg.il.us/GreCorn/Green1/Pages/GreenRecognit ionProgram.aspx. Those with questions may contact Landscape and Sustainability Planner Martha Dooley at 847.923.3855 for additional information. bout The Village of Schaumburg Schaumburg is the largest center of economic development in the State of Illinois, outside the City of Chicago, but it is also very much a community of neighbors and neighborhoods. Quality of life is important to us and we are constantly working to enhance it. Visit www.villageofschaumburg.com for more information.
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