Health & Safety
The health and safety of our community is important. We hope the information provided here adds to the well-being of you and your family and is a useful guide for emergency preparedness.

 

 

 

 

Prescription Drug Drop-off
The Village of Bartlett will be collecting unused prescription drugs, OTC medications and sharps once a month, beginning in September. . Items can be dropped off inside Village Hall, 228 S. Main Street, from 9 a.m. to noon on the last Saturday of each month. Individuals dropping off sharps will be responsible for putting the sharps in the container; Village staff WILL NOT be handling the sharps.

Items accepted in the program include, non-controlled prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, liquid medication in leak-proof containers, pet medications, vitamins/supplements, ointments, lotions, homeopathic remedies, suppositories and sharps, such as needles and syringes.

No controlled substances or personal care items will be accepted. Thermometers, IV bags, bloody and infectious waste, empty containers, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans and full inhalers are also not acceptable.

For more information, call Steven Bosco, 630-837-0800.

Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is an emerging problem and a significant highway safety issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, nearly 6,000 people were killed in crashes in which distracted or inattentive driving was a factor.

The Bartlett Police Department would like to remind motorists that it is illegal for a person to operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device, such as a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant or a portable or mobile computer, to compose, read, or send an electronic (text or email) message. The law does not apply when a driver is using the device in an emergency situation, in hands-free mode, while parked on the shoulder of a roadway, or while stopped in obstructed traffic if the vehicle is in neutral or park.

It is also illegal for a person, regardless of age, to use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle in a school speed zone and in a construction or maintenance speed zone, unless there is an emergency situation or the driver is using the device in hands-free mode.

Certainly most of the attention surrounding distracted driving has been on texting while driving, but there are a host of other distractions. Cell phone calls (both handheld and hands-free) continue to pose a safety risk for drivers as do more traditional distractions, such as eating, adjusting the radio, using the CD player or talking to passengers. The Bartlett Police Department encourages all motorists to properly manage these activities while driving and to always drive safely.

State Emergency Contact Database
The Illinois Secretary of State has a new emergency program that allows Illinois instruction permit, driver’s license and identification card holders to enter their emergency contact information into a voluntary, secure database. In the event of a motor vehicle crash or other emergency situation where a person is unable to communicate directly, law enforcement may access this database to help locate the person’s designated emergency contacts.

To submit information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com and click on “Emergency Contact Database.”

Participants can add, modify or delete their emergency contact information at any time by visiting this web page. If you hold both an Illinois driver’s license or permit and an Illinois ID card, the emergency contact information can be entered for both cards in one transaction if you so choose.

You may select one or two persons as your emergency contacts and are encouraged to share your participation with the contacts you have chosen.

 

Clean Air Counts in Bartlett
If the air around Bartlett starts to seem cleaner, it may have something to do with the Village joining the Clean Air Counts campaign. Clean Air Counts is a northeastern Illinois initiative to reduce ozone-causing emissions to improve air quality and reduce energy consumption. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, City of Chicago, United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

The Village of Bartlett is now one of more than 30 different municipalities that have joined this group. As a member of Clean Air Counts, the Village will promote ways in which homeowners, businesses and people can work together to reduce air pollution. Such promotions include articles in the Bartletter, informational handouts at Village Hall for businesses, homeowners and contractors, and news about upcoming programs on the Village’s website. 

For more information on the Clean Air Counts initiative, please visit www.cleanaircounts.org 

 

Be Prepared for Emergencies
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. According to the American Red Cross, “Disaster can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes.”

Make a family communications plan that includes an evacuation plan and coordinates with your school, work and community communication plans. Practice this plan with your entire family. Build a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for three days.

Disaster supplies kit
There are six basics you should stock for your home in case of an emergency: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffel bag.
Water: Store water inplastic containers such as soft drink bottles, one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person for drinking, sanitation and food preparation. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
Food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Include ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; protein or fruit bars; dry cereal or granola; peanut butter; dried fruit; nuts; crackers; canned juices; non-perishable pasteurized milk.
First Aid Kit: Assemble first aid kits for your home and for each car. Include assorted sizes of bandages, sterile dressings and gauze pads; antiseptic wipes; large medical grade non-latex gloves; adhesive tape; anti-bacterial ointment; cold pack; scissors; tweezers; CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield. Include non-prescription medicines, such as aspirin or pain relievers; anti-diarrhea medication; antacid; syrup of ipecac and/or activated charcoal; laxative.
Clothing and Bedding: Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Include sturdy shoes or work boots; rain gear; blankets or sleeping bags; hat and gloves; thermal underwear; sunglasses.
Tools and Supplies: Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils; emergency preparedness manual; battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries; cash or traveler's checks, change; non-electric can opener, utility knife; small fire extinguisher; tube tent; pliers; tape; compass; matches in a waterproof container; aluminum foil; plastic storage containers; signal flare; paper, pencil; needles, thread; medicine dropper; shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water; whistle; plastic sheeting; map of the area (for locating shelters). For sanitation, stock toilet paper, towelettes; soap, liquid detergent; feminine supplies; personal hygiene items; plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses); plastic bucket with tight lid; disinfectant.
Special Items & Family Documents: Remember family members with special requirements. For babies, formula; diapers; bottles; powdered milk. For adults, heart, high blood pressure and other prescription medication; insulin; denture needs; contact lenses and extra eye glasses.
Don’t forget important family documents. Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds, passports, social security cards, immunization records, bank account numbers, credit card numbers and companies
inventory of household goods, important telephone numbers, family records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
Store your kit in a place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply and replace stored food every six months so it stays fresh. Replace batteries, update clothes, and re-think your kit and family needs yearly.
Emergency Preparedness information taken from the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org