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Grilling Safety Tips for Summer Season

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(Original press release provided by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal on June 28, 2024)

The Office of the State Fire Marshal advises everyone to take these steps to help ensure a safe summer filled with everyone’s favorite grilled foods:

  •  Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors
  • The grill should be placed away from the home or deck railing, and out from under eaves of your home and overhanging tree branches
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill
  • Never leave your grill unattended
  • Always make sure gas grill lids are open before lighting it
  • Check the gas tank on your propane grills and hoses for leaks each time before using
  • If you smell gas while grilling, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department
  • Make sure charcoal grill coals are cool before disposing of them in a metal container
  • Always have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or garden hose nearby or know where you can access one quickly

Bonfires, pit fires and campfires can also create fire safety dangers during the summer months. Campfires need to be built at least 25 feet way from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn. Make sure fires are allowed in the area that you are camping. Use of chimineas, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits need to be at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn.

For more information about grilling please visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website at: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Grilling.

ComEd Vegetation Management Activities Continue through Summer

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The City has been provided notice that ComEd will be performing vegetation management activities in the West Chicago area from July through September that will include the transmission of herbicide treatment within the right of way in areas throughout the City.

The vegetation management activities are a key component of ComEd’s maintenance program to ensure system electrical reliability, as vegetation contact with ComEd equipment is a leading cause of outages.

The City has posted a map outlining the proposed properties that may be affected by the upcoming vegetation management activities on its website. [Updated July 2, 2024]

ComEd has provided a printed notification to any affected customers and property owners with statement of the vegetation management activities planned.

Residents are reminded that qualified herbicide applicators contracted by ComEd will be performing the work with supervisors and general foremen in close contact with the crews, ensuring that the work is performed properly.

For more information about vegetation maintenance along power lines and ComEd’s “Right Tree, Right Place” program, please visit: http://www.ComEd.com/Trees. Residents with questions or concerns should contact ComEd at (800) 334-7661.

Explore the Great Outdoors in West Chicago This Summer

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Join your community this summer and discover the wonders of the outdoors in West Chicago through the City of West Chicago and Healthy West Chicago's initiative, WeGo Exploring.

WeGo Exploring: A Community Initiative

WeGo Exploring is back to inspire residents to venture outside and enjoy the numerous attractions West Chicago has to offer. From expansive green spaces, trails, and parks to various outdoor art exhibits and events, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Discover and Share Your Adventures

To support your outdoor adventures, the City has created a dedicated webpage featuring a wide range of activities and destinations, brought to you by the City’s community partners, including Healthy West Chicago, the West Chicago Public Library District, the West Chicago Park District, and the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum.

Residents are encouraged to share their outdoor experiences through:

  • Participating in scavenger hunts.
  • Sharing photos on the WeGo Exploring webpage.
  • Promoting their activities on social media.

Join the Summer Scavenger Hunt

The summer scavenger hunt is already underway and will continue over the next few months. Visit the WeGo Exploring webpage for instructions on how to participate and for details on the exciting prizes up for grabs.

There's so much to see and do in West Chicago this summer! Take the time to step outside and explore all the great outdoor opportunities waiting for you. Enjoy the fresh air, make new memories, and embrace the beauty of West Chicago's natural and cultural offerings.

Start Exploring the Great Outdoors of West Chicago

Water Sprinkler Restrictions In Effect through September

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Water Sprinkler

The City’s Summer Water Sprinkler Restriction Program is in effect through the month of September.

To promote water conservation, the City imposes annual restrictions on the use of unattended running water from hoses or sprinkler systems for lawn and garden watering between May 15 and September 15. The restrictions are as follows:

  • For addresses with odd numbers, watering is permitted only on days with odd-numbered dates of the month.
  • For addresses with even numbers, watering is permitted only on days with even-numbered dates of the month.

Residents who wish to water newly seeded or sodded lawns may be granted a two-week allowance, subject to approval by the City's Water Utility Superintendent.

Conserving outdoor water usage not only saves money but also helps protect the limited water resources in the region. Visit the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s website for more information on how efficient lawn watering helps Chicago region conserve water and save infrastructure costs.

West Chicago’s Fit4Fall 5K Registration

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Help welcome fall at West Chicago’s Fit4Fall 5K on September 21!

The 5K & 1 Mile Youth Race will start and finish at Reed-Keppler Park by Zone 250 at 201 West National Street, West Chicago. This is a 5K Certified course on the Illinois Prairie Path that will feature a fun post-race event that participants won't want to miss. 5K runners will receive a Fit4Fall 5K custom medal and Fit4Fall 5K shirt, and the first 100 registrants will receive a swag bag.

Also, 5K runners that register by Thursday, September 5 will receive a free waffle with unlimited toppings from All Belgium Waffle that will be at the post-race event!

Early-bird pricing is available from now until the end of June; $30.00 instead of $35.00. Families running with 4 or more people will also receive $5 off the total at check out.

Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87943/west-chicago-fit4fall-5k.

Fit4Fall 5K is an event hosted by the partnership of the City of West Chicago and Healthy West Chicago.