Village Departments are prepared for blizzard conditions expected to impact our area tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning in effect until 3:00 PM Wednesday. The heaviest snow is expected to arrive tonight, with accumulations from 12 to 20 inches by Wednesday.

No Street Parking

To help plows navigate the streets, residents are reminded that cars cannot be parked on the street during and for a period after a snowfall of two or more inches. Vehicle owners in violation of this ordinance can be ticketed and cars may be towed if the owner cannot be located. In addition to adhering to ordinance regulations, residents are being asked not to park on the street through 5:00 PM Friday to expedite snow removal procedures. 

Power Outages

Reporting

ComEd is also monitoring the storm. To report a power outage or downed power line, contact ComEd at 1-800-Edison-1. 

Warming Centers

If you lose power and are without heat, please seek shelter with friends and family.  If you are in need of assistance and need to find a warm place to stay, please contact the Police Department's Non-Emergency Number:  (708) 206-3420.

The State of Illinois has designated the following location as a warming center: Lincoln Oasis, 700 East Tri-State, South Holland, IL.  This is the oasis over I-80, east of Halsted Street.  This location is only accessible by taking I-80 east and exiting at the oasis. 

Life-Saving Devices

In the event of power outages, the Homewood Fire Department can be contacted for emergency assistance if a resident needs life saving devices such as oxygen/respirators.  However, the Fire Department cannot leave any equipment with the patient - the patient will need to make arrangements for a long-term solution during the outage.  

Important Closings

• Homewood Village Hall will remain open this week.  However, staffing will be limited.
• The Homewood Public Library will be closed Wednesday, February 2, reopening for regular business hours on Thursday, February 3.
• Homewood-Flossmoor Park District facilities will be closed on Wednesday, February 2. 
• School District 153 has canceled all after-school activities for Tuesday evening.
• School District 153 Schools will be closed Wednesday; if it is necessary for the schools to remain closed on Thursday, families will be notified via the District's emergency telephone message system and by email.

Garbage Pick-Up

Due to the blizzard, the landfill will be closed; therefore, there will be no garbage pick-up on Wednesday, February 2. Garbage pick-up will resume on Thursday, February, 3 provided there will be no additional weather disruption.  

Reporting Car Accidents

The Police Department requests that for minor fender-benders, motorists should exchange information immediately following the accident, and then complete a formal police report at the police department once weather conditions improve. 

If You Must Travel

If you must travel by car during this storm period, remember these important safety tips: 

• Be sure to have survival items such as blankets, a shovel, a flashlight, extra warm clothes, jumper cables and energy bars in the car.
• Keep the tank full of gas, have a fully charged cell phone on hand, and make sure someone knows your travel plans and when you should arrive at your destination.
• If you become stranded in your car, remain inside until help arrives, run your engine for short periods of time to stay warm, and keep a window open slightly for ventilation. If it is nighttime, turn on your dome light so rescuers can find you more easily. Periodically move your legs, fingers and toes to keep your blood circulating and to stay warm. 

Keep Fire Hydrants Visible

Village personnel will monitor fire hydrants to make sure they are not hidden by snow, but residents are encouraged to check the hydrants near their homes and assist in this snow-clearing effort to help ensure fire safety. If you are aware of a snow-covered hydrant and are unable to clear it, please report its location to the Fire Department at (708) 206-3400. 

Safety Guidelines

• Along with warm clothes and blankets, consider stocking batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, nonperishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, a non electric can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have young infants or toddlers - diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.
• Stay indoors whenever possible.  If you must go out, dress appropriately, wearing several layers of lightweight clothing rather than one or two layers of heavy garments.  Cover as much of your face as possible and breathe through a fluffy scarf to warm air before it enters your lungs.       
• Allow extra time when traveling. 
• Monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories.

Do you have a family favorite recipe with Chocolate as the main ingredient? The Community Relations Commission will host its annual bake-off contest.  All entries will be available for sampling, by making a small donation. Applications are available online (click here for the current application)  or the Village Hall. Participants must register by February 14, 2011.

                            Some restrictions do apply.

Save the Date for the Spring Event

Spring for Homewood Schools Dinner and Auction will be held on April 9. This exciting fundraising event is to benefit Homewood School District 153. Foundation 153 will be hosting the event at Ravisloe Country Club. There will be a buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, cash bar, entertainment, and plenty of raffles and games! For more information, please contact Shelley Peck at Schoool District 153:  (708) 647-2390.

To learn more about Foundation 153 and to sign up for their monthly e-newsletter, visit www.Foundation153.org . Each month receive updates about upcoming Foundation-related events in the schools and community, or any implemented grant projects. Foundation 153 is a volunteer based not-for-profit 501c3 organization.