Yard Waste Pickup Ends Dec. 6; City Offers Winter Preparedness Tips

This weekend's dose of crazy weather is a good reminder that the mild fall won't hold off cold temperatures forever and that the city's fall waste collection in three weeks. Here are city of Joliet news releases about that and being prepared for winter.

Yard waste collection:

City of Joliet and Waste Management want to remind all residents that the
suspension of yard waste collection for the winter months will be effective Friday, December 6, 2013.

The last day for yard waste pickup will be Friday, December 6, 2013. Yard waste collection will resume Monday, March 31, 2014.

For those who will have a real Christmas tree, set it out, in one piece, after Christmas at your normal pick-up location (curb or alley) on your regular trash day for pick up. The Christmas trees will be collected until Friday, January 31, 2014.

Winter preparedness:

The City of Joliet reminds residents to educate themselves on how to remain safe during winter weather events.

“We encourage Joliet residents to remember their neighbors who may require
special assistance, especially the elderly.” Emergency Management Director Greg Sebben said.

He added, “it’s important to have a plan and to prepare survival kits for both the home and the vehicle.”

The City of Joliet offers the following tips to stay safe this winter:

For the home:

Create a winter survival kit, including a cell phone, flashlight, portable radio, first aid kit, any necessary medications, and a supply of food and water in case the power goes out. Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure your family knows how to use them. Add extra insulation to walls, attics, doors, and windows. Have safe emergency heating equipment available. Try to stay indoors and, if you must venture out, dress warmly.

Be sure not to overexert yourself or work outside for extended periods of time. Check on neighbors and family members to make sure they are safe and be sure to have working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors in your homes.

For the vehicle:

Create a winter survival kit, including a cell phone and charger, blankets,
extra clothing and winter gear, jumper cables, flashlight and extra batteries, high-calorie, nonperishable food, and matches or a lighter. Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold, keep your fuel tank full, and, while operating, try to conserve fuel. Bring a sand bag or ice melt to improve traction if needed.

Tell someone about your travel plans or proposed route. Plan the trip carefully and, if extreme cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your vehicles ability, do not travel. If you must, be cautious. Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed space or partially enclosed area like a garage.

The City of Joliet uses a variety of communication methods to inform residents and businesses about emergency situations such as winter weather events. Look for media releases issued by the City of Joliet Roadways Division addressing guidelines and helpful hints during winter snow events, including on-street parking restrictions. The City of Joliet website at www.cityofjoliet.info
and Government Access Television JCTV Channel 6 on Comcast or Channel 99 on AT&T will also have helpful information.

Please visit www.ready.illinois.gov/during/winterstorms.htm or www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/?n=winter for additional information on Winter Storm Preparedness.