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Community Corner

Gear Up Get Ready! to promote emergency preparedness on Aug. 3

     JOLIET – When an emergency happens, you’ll be the first to respond. Do you know what to do?

     Join the Reedwood Neighborhood Association at a Gear Up Get Ready! event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the United Cerebral Palsy School, 311 S. Reed St., to learn how to be prepared.

     Mixing fun and education, the event will feature giveaways, games, search-and-rescue dog demonstrations, and free food for those who visit all of the informational booths.

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     Will County Executive Larry Walsh, an event sponsor, said, “I hope people will take advantage of this opportunity to create an emergency plan. In addition to our County departments, other agencies are partnering with the Reedwood Neighborhood Association to make this event fun for the kids, as well as educational for all.”

    R. Dale Evans, President of the Reedwood Neighborhood Association, said, "The Reedwood Neighborhood Association looks forward to working with city and county government, and private and neighborhood organizations to promote awareness and partnerships working together for the good of Joliet and its residents."

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   Adults should make the information booth their first stop, getting a passport for each family. There will be an activity or information at each booth for participants. When finished, a volunteer at each table will punch the passport. When all are punched, the family is eligible for a free hot dog lunch.

     There will be special presentations, with the American Red Cross presenting its Team Fire Stopper program at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and the Will County Emergency Management Agency Search-and-Rescue Division giving K-9 demonstrations at 11 a.m. and noon.

     Will County’s dental van will be on site for those who need its services. Will County EMA’s emergency van, a Joliet fire truck and a Red Cross vehicle will be on display.

     While the adults make their emergency plans and learn about such things as utility shut-offs and fire prevention, the children can get free books from the National Hook Up of Black Women and play games provided by the Neighborhood Association.

     “This is truly a family event,” said Walsh. “There will be something for every age.”

     Participants and sponsors of the event are Walsh, Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante, IL. State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., American Red Cross, Jody’s Hot Dogs, Joliet Emergency Management Agency, National Hook Up of Black Women, Reedwood Neighborhood Association, United Cerebral Palsy, United States Cylinder Gas, Will County 9-1-1, Will County Center for Community Concerns, Will County Emergency Management Agency and Will County Health Department.   

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