Washington, DC – Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) announced today that the Washington, Illinois Fire Department will be receiving an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).

The Washington, Illinois Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc. is being awarded $42,750.00. This grant will allow for the purchase of a new air compressor. This purchase will allow the fire fighters the ability to fill their air tanks at the station rather than relying on a vendor.

“This grant is a worthy investment in the Washington Fire Department. Part of ensuring our firefighters are in the best position to do the most good is ensuring they have the equipment and resources they need,” said Schock. “This grant will the fire station to purchase a much needed a air compressor that will allow the fire fighters on site access to fire their air tanks at the station so they are prepared to respond to any emergency at a moment’s notice.”

“I’m very grateful we have been awarded this grant which will allow us to purchase an air compressor, an essential tool for our firefighters,” said Chief Mike Vaughn. “This grant comes at the right time for our fire station, and I am appreciative that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program exists to help firefighting districts and local community departments, like ours.”

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is an important component of the larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the Nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards.

The Red Cross will open two more shelters for those seeking refuge from rising flood waters in central Illinois. In Hanna City and the surrounding areas, evacuees should go the Hanna City United Methodist Church on IL-116. In the Kickapoo-Edwards area, evacuees should go to the Kickapoo Township Hall at 10025 W ROUTE 150 in Edwards. The shelters will be opening this afternoon, an exact time will be forthcoming.

The Red Cross is continuing to operate shelters in Roanoke at the Trinity Lutheran Church for those evacuated from the Roanoke/Washburn area and in Oglesby at the Illinois Valley Community College for those evacuated from Utica.

Shelters can also be found on the “shelters” tab in the Red Cross Tornado App (available for DROID or Apple) or by visiting http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter. Anyone needing Red Cross assistance should go to one of these location or call (309)677-7272.

April 18, 2013 – Peoria, Ill. – In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and our 365 days of the year effort to prevent child abuse, The Center for Prevention of Abuse and Luthy Botanical Garden are joining Mrs. Bushong’s 2nd grade class from Pleasant Valley Elementary School on Thursday, April 25th to learn about preventing abuse through caring for ourselves, each other and the environment.

Activities will take place between 9:30 am – 11:30 am and will include how to be safe from abuse, enjoying a story, planting vegetables and flowers, making crafts and participating in “Natures Kitchen”, an educational session offered by Luthy Botanical Garden that teaches children where food comes from.

“Our hope is by exposing children to nature and showing them the love and care that goes into a garden, it will foster a greater sense of caring and peace not only for nature but for each other as well,” said Jeanne Anders, Supervisor of Prevention and Community Based Prevention Services. “Reaching children at a young age and teaching them to respect all things is an important mission at The Center for Prevention of Abuse. And, the Children’s Garden Event is a powerful exercise to reinforce that message.”

The Center has been providing violence prevention curricula for students pre-k through college in the Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford county schools since 1983, touching the lives of over 15,000 students a per year. Community presentations are also offered to parents, school staff and community groups.

For more information on prevention programs, please contact Jeanne Anders at 691-0551 or email: janders@centerforpreventionofabuse.org .

The Peoria Park District Board of Trustees honored Bonnie W. Noble, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, for 40 years of dedicated service to the District at the April 10 Park Board meeting. Trustee Roger Allen read a resolution commending Noble for “serving faithfully and with honor, integrity and great distinction” first as an elected Board member from 1973 to 1979, then as President of the Park Board from 1979 to 1991. She was appointed to her current position as Executive Director of Parks and Recreation in 1992.

Under Noble’s leadership, the Peoria Park District has been awarded the National Gold Medal Award three times, has been a Gold Medal finalist nine times and the Park District was one of the first accredited as an Illinois Distinguished Park District by IAPD/IPRA.

Taylor Road is closed from Wildlife Prairie Park to Route 8
Kickapoo Edwards Road is closed from Route 8 to Valley View Road

Public health and safety are the number one concerns after heavy rains and flooding. Flood water can carry bacteria and other contaminants that could cause disease and illness. During this time of heavy rains and flooding in the Illinois River valley, the Peoria City/County Health Department urges all residents to take safety precautions against diseases.

These basic precautions can help to prevent disease:
• Minimize skin contact with sewer water, especially cuts and sores. Keep them clean and covered.
• Do not allow children to play in areas contaminated by sewage overflows.
• Do not eat or drink anything exposed to sewer water.
• Do not use water from flooded water wells. An alternate source of potable water should be obtained such as bottled water. Once flood waters recede, the well should be tested to make sure the water is safe to drink. Contact your local health department to obtain a test kit.
• Keep contaminated objects, water and hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.
• Wash hands frequently, especially after bathroom use, before eating and immediately following contact with sewer water or contaminated objects or surfaces.
Take the following precautions to prevent injury:
• Turn off main power switches if necessary. Air out and wipe dry all appliances and electrical outlets exposed to water before use.
• If you have fuel oil or gas systems, be sure tanks are secure and all lines are free from breaks.
• Wear rubber boots, gloves and an N95 or HEPA respirator mask during removal & cleanup.
• Open windows if possible to ventilate and dry the area. Fans can be used to help with drying.
• Keep children from playing in flood and sewer water.

The following cleaning guidelines may help prevent the transmission of disease and reduce property loss:
General Cleaning:
• Discard any contaminated objects that cannot be thoroughly washed or laundered.
• Wash contaminated surfaces and objects with warm, soapy water and disinfect with a bleach and water solution made of no more than 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. For objects that would be damaged by bleach, use a home or laundry disinfectant.
• Make sure to read and follow label instructions. Do not use ammonia. Do not mix ammonia and bleach; the vapors are hazardous.
• Scrub and wash all objects in the affected area of your home, including clothes, exposed to flood waters. Use warm, not hot, tap water with soap.
The Peoria City/County Health Department is urging you to play it safe during floods. For additional information to protect yourself and your family, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at www.state.il.us or contact the Peoria City/County Health Department at 309-679-6161.

For more information on public health issues, visit www.pcchd.org.

Farmington Road is closed between Creek Road and Swords

What: DAV Mobile Service Office at Salvation Army
When: Tomorrow, April 19 9am-4pm
Where: Veterans Outreach Center, 416 NE Jefferson

The Salvation Army Veterans Outreach Center to Host DAV Mobile Service Office
DAV MSO Will be at Veterans Outreach Center Tomorrow & April 23

PEORIA – The Salvation Army Veterans Outreach Center, in operation since November of 2011 providing counseling and referrals for veterans and their families, will host the Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office(MSO) twice in the next week. The DAV MSO program provides veterans a chance to meet face to face with a National Servive Officer to review benefit eligibility and help you through the process.

The DAV Mobile Service Office will be at the Veterans Outreach Center from 9am to 4 pm this Friday, April 19 and again on Tuesday, April 23. The DAV MSO service is free, and all veterans need to bring along is a claim number, social security number, and any other pertinent documentation. You do not need to be a DAV member to utilize this service.

For more information, contact Dennis Ward at the Veterans Outreach Center at (309) 655-7272, or call Rich Draeger at 655-1348/253-9909.

The Red Cross encourages families to be prepared and cautious

CENTRAL ILLINOIS — Due to heavy rains, many parts of central Illinois are experiencing rising water and flash floods. The Red Cross is encouraging people traveling to be cautious and careful.

Preparing for Floods
Flash floods can catch people unprepared. Due to the sudden nature of flash flooding, you may not hear a warning from emergency officials if your area has been affected. Nonetheless,
· Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest flash flood/flood watches, warnings and advisories.
· Know the difference between a flash flood watch and warning:
– A WATCH means a flash flood is possible. If a flash flood watch is issued in your area, be sure to fill your car’s gas tank so you can be prepared to leave immediately in case an evacuation notice is issued.
– A WARNING means flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. If a flash flood warning is issued, move to higher ground away from rivers, creeks and storm drains.
· Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

What to do in an area of flash flooding
Floodwaters are dangerous and powerful. Be extremely cautious when confronted with floodwaters, and know their awesome power.
In the car
· Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas. If you come upon flood waters, don’t drive through them; the road could be washed out underneath. A depth of 2 feet will float your car.
· Do not attempt to drive through road barricades. They are there for your safety. If you come upon a barricade warning of high water, seek an alternate route.
· If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Out of the car
· Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet. Many people are swept away wading through flood waters.
· Never try to walk or swim through swift water. If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around and go another way.
· Never play around high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. It is very easy to be swept away by fast-moving water.

What to do after a flood
· Return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
· Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage.
· Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.
· If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
· If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
· Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
· Materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous. Check with local authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk.
· During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
· Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out!

PEORIA, IL- Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) is co-sponsoring legislation that would allow property taxes to be calculated beyond three decimal points, thereby saving money for taxpayers each year.

“Every year it seems that our property taxes continue to grow,” said Gordon-Booth. “This legislation will allow county assessors to more precisely calculate property tax bills and help homeowners save money.”

Property taxes are determined by local government units including cities, counties, school districts, and fire districts. The amount that homeowners pay in taxes is their equalized assessed value (EAV), which is 33 1/3% of their total property value. Currently, when calculating a homeowner’s EAV and their tax levy, the rate cannot be calculated beyond three decimal places, resulting in rates to be rounded up to the next percentage point.

House Bill 189 would allow county clerks to use more than three decimal places to calculate EAV for homeowners throughout their county. Not only would this increase the accuracy of resident’s tax bill, but it would also help save taxpayers money each year.

“As our communities continue to recover economically, it is important to do what we can to help control costs,” said Gordon-Booth. “That is why I support common-sense solutions, like this one, that brings more accuracy and accountability to our government. I urge the Senate to pass this measure and provide some relief for homeowners. ”

For more information, please contact Rep. Gordon-Booth’s constituent services office at (309) 681-1992 or by e-mail repjgordon@gmail.com.