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"Summers in Illinois can be very hot and humid, which can seriously
impact people's health and people's pocketbooks," Blagojevich said.
"Through the Keep Cool Illinois campaign, we are expanding energy
efficiency and assistance outreach to help as many families as
possible save energy, save money and stay cool during this summer."
The Keep Cool Illinois campaign includes the
www.keepcool.illinois.gov
website, a statewide network of cooling centers, targeted outreach
to vulnerable senior citizens, energy assistance programs, public
service announcements, fire safety, water safety and other tips to
help families across Illinois prepare for the summer.
The statewide, multiagency campaign kicked off at Lakewood
Engineering and Manufacturing Company in Chicago with the governor's
Special Director of Emergency Energy Assistance Ed Hurley; directors
from the Illinois departments on Aging, Healthcare and Family
Services, Human Services, Public Health, and the Illinois Emergency
Management Agency; the deputy directors of the Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency; the lieutenant governor's office; the city of
Chicago; the National Weather Service; and Clear Channel Radio in
Chicago.
"Every household in Illinois can take some simple steps to lower
their utility bills this summer," Hurley said. "The Keep Cool
Illinois campaign will offer useful information, especially for
young families and seniors across the state, on how they can enjoy
their summers safely and economically. We also want those in need to
take action now and access state assistance programs and resources
that will help them stay safe, healthy and cool this summer."
"As the hot summer days draw near and energy use skyrockets, we
need to make efficient use of our energy sources and take care of
our neighbors in need," Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said. "The Keep Cool
Illinois campaign provides access to cooling centers and energy
assistance funds that will bring precious relief to those Illinois
citizens that need it most."
The Keep Cool Illinois website: Various no-cost and low-cost
energy-saving tips, links to cooling centers and energy assistance
programs, fireworks safety tips, West Nile virus prevention guides,
and other available state resources are offered at
www.keepcool.illinois.gov.
The Keep Cool Illinois line, (877) 411-9276, will be open July 1,
and the Spanish version of the website will also soon be available
as additional resources for Illinois residents to learn how to cut
utility bills, receive energy assistance, and stay cool and healthy
this summer.
Cooling centers: As part of his Keep Cool Illinois campaign,
Blagojevich is making 130 state facilities available as cooling
centers. The cooling centers will provide Illinoisans a place to
stay cool and comfortable during the scorching hot days of summer.
The cooling centers are located at Illinois Department of Human
Services offices throughout the state and will be open to the public
during regular business hours so anyone seeking refuge from the heat
has a cool place to go when the temperature climbs. More information
on the state's cooling centers will be available by calling (800)
843-6154 toll-free or searching by ZIP code at
www.keepcool.illinois.gov for the nearest cooling center.
"The cooling centers will be an excellent place for Illinoisans
to beat the heat this summer," said Department of Human Services
Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. "For those persons who have no air
conditioning in their homes or no other cool place to go, the
cooling centers will offer a clean, safe place to take refuge during
the hottest part of the day."
Clear Channel Radio: In partnership with the state of
Illinois, Clear Channel Radio in Chicago has agreed to broadcast
$100,000 worth of public service announcements for the Keep
Cool Illinois campaign all summer long on all seven of its radio
stations.
Senior summer safety: The Illinois Department on Aging will
provide summer tips to seniors statewide through its network of Area
Agencies on Aging. The agency will also work to educate and provide
materials outlining dangers associated with the summer weather;
perform well-being checks on vulnerable seniors; provide cooling
centers at senior centers, adult day service centers and nutrition
sites; as well as extend hours and provide transportation as
requested. Public service announcements will be used statewide to
educate seniors about available services.
Seniors are at an increased risk especially if they take certain
medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition or have conditions
such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's
disease. During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their
local Area Agencies on Aging or the Senior HelpLine, (800) 252-8966,
for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites
and other familiar buildings that serve as cooling centers.
"The Keep Cool Illinois campaign will help older people learn how
they can take steps now to avoid heat stress," Department on Aging
Director Charles D. Johnson said. "Although most of us bundle up
against the cold, we often fail to recognize that extreme heat and
humidity pose similar threats, particularly as we age."
FAN Club program: In the summer of 2005, the lieutenant
governor launched the FAN Club program, which distributed about
1,000 fans through the Illinois Community Action Association to
low-income households across Illinois. The Department of Healthcare
and Family Services gave half of the funds for the program. The
lieutenant governor will kick off the program again this summer. In
addition, the Keep Cool Illinois website offers a link to
www.blackoutsolutions.org, a website sponsored by the lieutenant
governor to provide Illinois residents with important tips on how to
conserve energy and increase energy efficiency. Included is the
"Resident's Guide to Warm Weather Energy Savings."
[To download Adobe Acrobat Reader for the
booklet, click here.]
Dehydration and heat stroke prevention: The Illinois
Department of Public Health will provide information to Illinoisans
on how to prevent and treat dehydration, which can occur from not
drinking enough fluids, and heat stroke, which can be caused from
overexposure to direct sunlight, with or without physical activity,
or to very high indoor temperatures.
Energy assistance grants: If summer temperatures stay at
dangerous levels, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family
Services will open its Summer Cooling program. The program has the
ability to distribute up to $8 million in Low Income Home Energy
Assistance funds to low-income families to assist them with their
utility bills, so they can keep their air conditioners and fans
running. Through LIHEAP, a state- and federally funded energy
assistance program, utility bill payments are made on behalf of
households with incomes of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty
level.
"We all have a responsibility to do whatever we can to help
Illinois families make it through the hot summer months ahead,
especially our most vulnerable families," said Barry Maram, director
of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. "With this
comprehensive initiative, we hope to assist more families than ever
before. I would urge all Illinoisans who believe they may be
eligible to look into available state resources and the LIHEAP
program before the hot weather arrives."
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 Energy efficiency information: The Illinois Department
of Commerce and Economic Opportunity provides information and
technical assistance for people looking for ways to improve their
energy efficiency at home or on the job. Many energy efficiency
options, such as improved air sealing, insulation and the use of
Energy Star appliances, help reduce energy use year-round. The
department will provide information on easy ways to save money and
about grant programs available to help reduce energy costs.
Weatherization tips will also soon be available via streaming video
from the Keep Cool website and at
www.illinoisenergy.org.
"Governor Blagojevich and I are pleased to provide information to
help people across Illinois reduce their energy costs and keep cool
in the summer by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and
businesses," said Jack Lavin, Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity director. "Many of the things that people can do to
reduce their cooling costs will also reduce heating costs in the
summer, and help reduce pollution at the same time."
Water safety: The Illinois Department of Public Health will
also provide information to Illinoisans on how to decrease the
health and safety risks associated with swimming. The department
requires the state's 3,500 swimming pools and spas to meet water
quality and safety standards and
enforces these rules and regulations through plan approvals and
inspections. To prevent illnesses associated with swimming at
Illinois beaches, each licensed beach is inspected annually to
determine that required safety features are in place and that there
are no sources of possible pollution such as sewage discharges. The
department also requires that each of the 335 licensed public
beaches (excluding Chicago beaches, which are regulated by the
Chicago Park District) be sampled every two weeks to determine that
bacterial levels in the water are within established limits. For
more information on summer activity safety and summer health risks,
please call (217) 782-4977 or visit
www.idph.state.il.us to
find the
"Summer? No Sweat" survival guide published and distributed by
Department of Public Health.
West Nile virus prevention: The Department of Public Health
will also urge Illinoisans to take precautions to prevent disease
and injury while they "keep cool" this summer. As part of the
governor's Keep Cool Illinois campaign, the department will continue
to provide helpful tips to prevent West Nile. The
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito
that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most
people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some
may become ill three to 14 days after the bite of an infected
mosquito.
Illinois Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction
Program: The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has
grants available to nonprofit housing developers who include
energy-efficient building practices in the rehab or construction of
affordable housing units. These building practices often bring
energy savings between 50 percent and 75 percent.
Lightning safety awareness: Each year in the United States,
an average of 67 people are killed by lightning -- more than those
killed by tornadoes. Most lightning fatalities and injuries occur
outdoors at recreational events (baseball games, soccer games, lakes
and on golf courses) and under or near trees. Under the governor's
Keep Cool Illinois campaign, the Illinois Emergency Management
Agency will join with the National Weather Service and the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources to help residents understand how to
stay safe when lightning strikes. A
lightning safety awareness booklet is available at
www.state.il.us/iema, and
a brochure with outdoor safety tips will be available at all state
park visitor centers this summer.
[To download Adobe Acrobat Reader for the
booklet, click here.]
"After a long, cold winter, people in Illinois are excited to be
able to participate in their favorite outdoor activities, like
boating, swimming, golfing and various other sports," said William
C. Burke, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. "We
want everyone to enjoy the summer to the fullest and to do so
safely. Knowing what to do when bad weather approaches can keep your
summer fun from turning into tragedy."
Fireworks safety: While fireworks are a traditional part of
Fourth of July celebrations, many people are seriously injured each
year by careless or untrained use of fireworks. New fireworks
regulations that went into effect this year in Illinois should
decrease the number of fireworks-related injuries by ensuring that
fireworks are used only by people who meet safety standards. The
Office of the State Fire Marshal has information about the new
fireworks regulations and other fireworks safety tips at
www.state.il.us/osfm.
"Everyone loves a great fireworks display on the Fourth of July,
and this year those displays should be safer for everyone, the
display operator and spectators alike," said Illinois Fire Marshal
David Foreman. "The state's new regulations will ensure that anyone
who sets off fireworks in Illinois meets safety standards that will
help prevent serious injuries, deaths and fires caused by careless
or untrained use of fireworks."
Air Pollution Action Days: Throughout the hot summer months
the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Partners for
Clean Air will continue to alert the public on Air Pollution Action
Days, when air pollution increases due to heat and sun. Daily
reports of air quality measurements are provided to the media in
order to notify the public that levels of air pollution pose a
health risk, especially for those with respiratory or heart
illnesses. These notices alert individuals in Chicago, northwest
Indiana and Metro East that low winds and high temperatures have the
potential to elevate pollution to unhealthy levels. The goal is to
encourage individuals and businesses to take actions to reduce
pollution as well as alert the public. More information can be found
at www.cleantheair.org.
For more "green" tips, visit
www.epa.state.il.us.
"There are 'green actions' individuals can take to reduce air
pollution," said Doug Scott, director of the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency. "Some of those actions are as simple as limiting
driving and opting to walk or ride a bike, and using E-85 in your
flexible fuel vehicle. By following these small steps, each citizen
will be able to collectively reduce emissions and enjoy the great
outdoors Illinois has to offer."
Office of Emergency Energy Assistance: Last year, the
governor appointed a special director of emergency energy assistance
to marshal resources from the public and private sectors and to
coordinate assistance to vulnerable populations affected by
record-high heating costs. The special director works with
utilities, the Illinois Commerce Commission and other state agencies
to ensure the public's best interest is protected.
Last summer, the governor was able to successfully negotiate with
the Illinois utility companies to have them waive administrative
reconnection fees and security deposits for LIHEAP customers so that
grant funds can go directly toward covering actual usage charges,
allowing the state to help more households cover heating costs.
Last winter, the governor launched the Keep Warm Illinois
campaign and website to help all Illinoisans stay warm, healthy and
safe throughout the winter. The Keep Warm Illinois campaign was also
a comprehensive effort to inform and prepare Illinois residents for
record-high home heating costs. It included unprecedented
coordination between state agencies, as well as a statewide public
awareness effort in partnership with community colleges and Clear
Channel Radio in Chicago to help inform Illinoisans about winter
preparations and resources available.
[News release from the governor's
office] |
