What to have on hand in an emergency
Are you ready?
No matter what?
For anything?
The monthly, eerie wail of the emergency warning siren at 10 a.m. Tuesday, the first Tuesday of the month, seemed a bizarre coincidence as I readied to write about a request from local emergency responders to make sure we have emergency kits and gear on hand ... just in case.
Buried in snow this year, most of us look forward to warmer times -- but that jarring mix of cold and warm air breeds the dangerous part of spring most of us don't want.
Are you ready?
Amid our ongoing season of snow, Algonquin-Lake in the Hills fire officials urge us to use Severe Weather Preparedness Week to make sure we're ready for far more severe weather and, really, any emergency that zaps our power etc.
Lights out
I was in Georgia a couple of weeks ago, helping out my elderly parents, when a fierce storm took out the power just before sunrise. No lights, no TV, no radio ... no oxygen for my mom. And no working flashlight to be found in a house so dark none of us dared move.
We figured it out, found candles and, of course, the sun came up, then the power came back. But for a couple of hours, it was a stark reminder to have emergency supplies nearby.
Do you?
Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District spokeswoman Kim Matz suggests we all have an emergency kit on hand, create a family plan and make sure all family members and baby sitters know what to do.
Flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, a battery-powered radio, bottled water, non-perishable food, cell phones with extra batteries and a manual can opener are among the essentials. You'll find lots more details at www.ready.gov.
Water rescue
Speaking of planning ahead, the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills fire folks sure practice what they preach. They unveiled their new fleet of rescue boats Tuesday as they also met with us news people to talk about the best way to communicate at difficult scenes and during difficult situations. As one officer said, they hope they don't have to use those new rescue options -- whether it's on the river, on a lake or retention pond -- but it's sure nice they're prepared.
Fast food option
I hear Algonquin east-siders are excited that the new Arby's on Route 62 looks like it's almost ready to open. The help wanted sign is out, the Arby's sign is up, all looks good. Any day now, village officials tell me.
Way to go!
Congratulations to the Jacobs High School pom team for -- again -- taking first place in AAA Hip Hop and tying for first in open pom with Downers Grove South. It's the Golden Eagles' fifth Hip Hop title in seven years. Can you say dynasty?
Go green
It seems there's no shortage of green-thinkers out there. That East Dundee St. Patrick's Day parade is getting bigger and the family-oriented event would like you to join the fun. They welcome bands, musicians, Scouts, Indian guides, sports teams, cheerleaders, pom groups -- hey, what's that championship Jacobs team doing March 15? -- and even dogs. Grab your shamrocks and call Beth (847) 426-7300.
Only way to fly
Plenty of people have justifiably chastised the man who chose to fly his son to a tennis match rather than fight traffic, prompting lots of calls to 911 when he landed on a Lincolnshire golf course.
And he, clearly, goofed. But, admit it. If you could, wouldn't you like to hop into that little two-seater and soar past traffic? Just once?