Next week my office is partnering with Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez and Howard Brown Health to offer mobile COVID-19 testing for seniors in our district September 4. No appointments necessary, just walk up. Masks are required. We will provide masks for those who are in need. Also, if you haven’t already, you will be able to fill out the 2020 census. Hope to see you there! Free bags of food will be provided by the Alderman’s office.

Nov. 2 deadline to submit proposals for local quality-of-life projects

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the application period for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program is now open. This year’s program is the largest ever due to the passage of Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois and for the first time dedicates resources to communities with the greatest needs.

“Part of our core mission at IDOT is empowering disadvantaged communities and working with local decisionmakers to improve transportation options and quality of life,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under Gov. Pritzker, we have made major improvements to the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program that will mean greater participation and more resources where they are needed most.”

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If you have experienced a loss of electricity due to Monday’s storm, follow the tips below from the Department of Homeland Security:

Staying cool:
• Never leave a child, adult or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
• Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.
• Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as it could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
• Avoid high-energy activities.
• Check yourself, family members and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.

Protecting yourself and others:
• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling. 

Check on neighbors.

Throwing away spoiled food:

When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. 

Medication:

If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.

See more tips here: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages and continue to call ComEd and 311 for updates.