Richard L. Cohen, CPP, CHS-III
Lindenhurst EMA Coordinator

The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for the Village of Lindenhurst, Illinois was established by Ordinance in May 2003.  EMA is charged with providing coordination and assistance to Village Officials, Administrators, and departments to include the Lindenhurst Police Department, Public Works, Lake Villa Township Fire & Rescue, as well as other local, regional, and statewide jurisdictions and organizations to restore peace, health and safety in the event of and following a disaster.  Lindenhurst EMA is currently in the process of revising the Emergency Operations Plan to insure that the Village is prepared to effectively respond to a multitude of environmental and man-made disasters in order to protect the lives and preserve the property of the people of Lindenhurst.

We will be seeking additional volunteers who wish to become active members of the EMA Team.  This is a voluntary role which will require the commitment to participate in designated programs and/or seminars to help further enhance the EMA Team's preparedness.  If you are interested in becoming involved in the Lindenhurst EMA program, please send your inquiry to lindenhurst.ema@comcast.net

Emergency Alert (EAS) & Warning System Testing
The Village of Lindenhurst erected an emergency alert siren system to aid in early notification of imminent and threatening weather conditions as well as other emergencies that could adversely affect residents.

Designed as an outdoor warning system, the siren is not engineered to be heard inside every building in the coverage area.  The siren system is activated locally and tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

When this siren is activated, it is a signal to anyone outside to seek shelter.  In most instances it signals a severe weather event, but it can also signal other things that suggest people to be inside, such as a chemical spill from a truck that has caused hazardous clouds and vapors.

If you are outside when the sirens sound, seek immediate shelter.  If there is no time to move to a shelter, seek a low lying area, such as a ditch, and lay face down and cover your head with your hands.  DO NOT stand under trees if at all possible.  If a grove of trees is your only shelter, try to position yourself under the shorter trees.

While the Village of Lindenhurst makes every effort to provide such notification, residents are solely responsible to ensure their safety, and that of their families, as they see fit when determining the seeking of shelter.  The use of "all clear" signals was generally discontinued some years ago and is not utilized.

You can often be better prepared for severe weather by simply listening to the forecast before you leave home from a source such as The Weather Channel.  It is important to note that satellite and cable systems are not reliable sources for immediate, local weather information.  Local area broadcasts usually provide good data on severe weather conditions.  Finally, resident's might consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio which provides detailed forecast information as well as alerts for watches and warnings as a means to stay informed.

Special Needs
As part of the emergency plan, the Village is conducting a search for residents within the community that are incapacitated, have special needs or unique needs or are disabled.  Your name and information will remain confidential.  Once a plan has been initiated, you may be contacted to ascertain if assistance is required for your personal safety during the event of an emergency or disaster.  As a means of safety, it is recommended that residents with special needs have a mentor to assist them if the need arises.

If you would be in need of such assistance, please contact the EMA Coordinator via e-mail at lindenhurst.ema@comcast.net

Are You Prepared?
The Lindenhurst Police Department has a supply of emergency disaster pamphlets available to the general public.  These brochures address issues such as, what to do in an emergency, what type of items to take with you if you must evacuate the area, and general disaster emergency planning.

Important web-sites to obtain additional safety and preparedness information:

FEDERAL

STATE

LOCAL

WEBSITE PDF FORMAT - BROCHURES

*  Family Disaster Planning
*  Disaster Supply Kit
*  Shelter In-Place Emergency