Education, demonstrations highlight Fire Department's Open House

Residents had a chance to learn about fire safety, fire fighting techniques as well as the opportunity to climb on fire equipment at the Buffalo Grove Fire Department's annual Open House.

The event was held Saturday, Sept. 22 at the main fire station at  1051 Highland Grove Drive.  In addition to BGFD equipment, the "Flight for Life" helicopter was on display and gave visitors a chance to learn about the unit.

The "Flight for Life" helicopter gave visitors a chance for
a quick tour and photo opportunity.

Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the BGFD's ambulances.

Future fire fighters had the chance to check out
fire trucks and engines.

A chance to sit in the "Flight for Life" helicopter

A mobile command center was on display.

Young and old fire fighters had a chance to learn  how to handle a fire extinguisher.

The "Flight for Life" helicopter takes off after being on display at the BGFD open house

First Responders Day at Farmers’ Market this Sunday

The Buffalo Grove Police Department will join members of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department, Northwest Central Dispatch and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to commemorate the first, 'First Responders Day' from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.n. on Sunday at the Buffalo Grove Farmers' Market located at Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road. Residents will be provided with valuable information about public safety, while allowing children the opportunity to explore a number of different emergency response vehicles. For more information, click here.

'Total Patching' Road Repair in Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove Public Works address many roads in the Village in need of repair this year. 'Total Patching' is a cost-effective method for pothole patching and surface stabilization, but is NOT intended to serve as a permanent repair. Instead, it is a durable and temporary solution until funding is available for more permanent solutions. To learn more, click here or contact Public Works at 847-459-2545.

Village of Buffalo Grove 2017 Fiscal Reports Now Available Online 

The Village of Buffalo Grove's annual audit for fiscal year 2017 has been completed and is now ready to be viewed online. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) a summary of the CAFR, the Annual Treasurers Report, and all previous year fiscal reports can be found on the Village website here.

Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus Nearby

The Village of Buffalo Grove is encouraging residents to 'Fight the Bite' after a mosquito pool (batch of mosquitoes) sampled on June 28, 2018 in Highland Park tested positive for West Nile Virus. Residents can practice the '4 Ds of Defense' to protect themselves and their family from mosquitoes, which include wearing clothing that protects arms and legs at dawn and dusk, as well as using insect repellent when outdoors. For more information, click here.

Summer Pool Safety

A few seconds is all it can take for a child to drown. Most incidents happen in a family's backyard swimming pool, but children can also drown in buckets, bathtubs, toilets, dog water bowls and ponds. Drowning and near drowning can be prevented by following safety precautions, such as knowing where your children are at all times when they are near water, using an approved barrier to separate the pool from the house, and never allowing children to be alone near a pool or water source. For more safety tips, click here.

There's no business like snow business...

With the approaching snowmaggedon, the village of Buffalo Grove has issued these tidbits of information.

Waste Management Suspends Services on Friday, February 9

Due to the predicted snow in the forecast, Waste Management is suspending all pickup services on Friday, February 9, 2018. For any residents who have Friday pickup, services will instead be provided on Saturday, February 10. Waste Management will resume normally scheduled pickup services on Monday, February 12. For more information, please call Waste Management at 800-796-9696.

Round-the-Clock Snow Removal Efforts in Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove Public Works continues to work two, 12-hour split shifts around the clock due to this week's storm events. This will continue through the expected 7-12 inches predicted Thursday evening through Friday evening, with additional snow accumulations possible Saturday into Sunday.

"Snow Command" screens at Public Works provide real-time updates for planning, hourly weather predictions and response levels for snow and ice control activities based on weather patterns. A geographic information system (GIS) map shows plow trucks and their progress through routes. Roads shift from red to green on the screens as a truck completes its route. Fleet mechanics are an integral part of each 12-hour shift, fixing trucks to get them back on the street as soon as possible.

Village parking restrictions will go into effect as soon as snow plow crews begin operations and will continue until the snow has ended and all streets have been cleared.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Public Works Department main number at 847-459-2545 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.), and the non-emergency Police Department during off hours at 847-459-2560.

Other general reminders...

*  The Fire Department asks that residents, if possible, should clear snow off of fire hydrants and around the area surrounding the hydrant.

*  Do not shovel or push snow into the street. 

*  Make sure your mailbox is accessible.

*  One tip -- if you want to make your snow removal easier, coat your shovel with silicone or WD-40.  It also help snow throwers.

*  If you have a bird feeder, make sure it's filled.  Heavy snows impact the availability of food for birds.  Village officials do not have to be fed. 

Fire Department gives residents a real hose job

Hundreds of Buffalo Grove residents braved sweltering temperatures on Saturday to participate in the Buffalo Grove Fire Department's annual open house.

The event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featured displays of equipment, fire prevention information, opportunities for children to slide down a fire pole and handle a hose.  A highlight of the event was the visit by the “Flight for Life” helicopter, which is based locally at Centegra Hospital in McHenry

The Fire Department also provided refreshments.

Residents were able to tour the Flight for Life Helicopter

Fire fighters provided a demonstration of a house fire and

how home sprinklers can make a difference.

Residents were able to learn about the BGFD's ambulances and their equipment

A chance to slide down a fire pole.

Youngsters had a chance to handle a fire hose.

Flight for Life departs.