Emergency Services and Disaster Agency
Winter is here!
Are you ready for severe weather including heavy snow, freezing temperatures, icy roads and power outages?
PURPOSE
The Village of Oakwood Hills Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) is charged with preventing, minimizing, repairing and alleviating injury or damage resulting from disaster caused by enemy attack, sabotage or other hostile action, or from natural or man-made disaster (O.H. Mun. Code sec. 8-101).
ESDA also coordinates National Incident Management System (NIMS) training for all Village employees and elected officials.
EMERGENCY ALERTS
At this time, the Village of Oakwood Hills does not have any emergency alert sirens. We strongly urge all residents to purchase a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio. In the event of severe weather or another severe emergency, broadcasts are received by this radio, alerting you about the nature of the situation.
If a disaster does occur in the village, emergency plans call for additional communication to be broadcast by local media (radio stations, newspapers, cable provider, and email). Telephone (land-line and cellular) and text alerts may be possible in the near future.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
While no one likes to think about a disaster occurring in their area, the reality is that one could actually happen. Severe weather is the most likely threat in Oakwood Hills. Tornados are not uncommon in this area, and may occur during any time of the year. In 2008, an EF3 tornado touched-down in the northern part of McHenry County, damaging homes and overturning rail cars. In February 2011, a blizzard dropped almost two feet of snow in our area, making roadways impassible even for emergency vehicles.
The Village’s resources are limited, and particularly so during a disaster. Everyone can help to make our families and community safer. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Ready Campaign” is designed to educate and empower citizens to prepare for emergencies affecting their area. Tips on what is needed in your family’s emergency supply kit, creating an emergency plan, and staying informed are listed.
LINKS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
Illinois Emergency Management Agency:
.