January 25, 2021 Update from the Mayor
Hickory Hills now has 1033 confirmed, cumulative COVID cases and 21 related deaths. The most recent death attributed to COVID occurred on January 23, 2021 and is a reminder that we all must remain very careful because the virus remains very contagious.
Winter Weather Event Notice from Public Works Director Sue Lehr
Snow is forecast to start this afternoon and continue through to Tuesday evening, for this area. Computer models have it forecasted anywhere from 7 inches to 12 inches of accumulation over a 24–36-hour period. Temperatures are forecasted to be between 29 and 33 degrees throughout the event. This will result in a heavy, wet snow that will be difficult to plow and shovel.
Please be cautious when shoveling, residents should not over exert themselves during this activity. Experts suggest shoveling the snow in stages.
Shoveling Tips:
- First, Stretch Your Muscles
- Dress in Layers to Stay Warm
- Keep the Blade Close to you to Reduce Back Strain
- Take Frequent Breaks
- Don’t “Bite Off” too much, Skim off the Top Layer of Snow then Scoop up the Bottom so you aren’t Lifting too much Weight.
- Don’t Throw the Snow in the Street, it will just come back into your Driveway.
Just like shoveling, plowing a wet- heavy snow can be difficult. Snow builds up on the plow because of the slow speeds that must be applied. Heavy snow coming off the blade takes down frail mailboxes and knocks down garbage cans. This type of snow also “rolls” in front of the plow, much like a snowman These snow balls drop off randomly and aren’t intentional.
Remove Parked Vehicles from Street and Garbage Cans Should Be Placed on Driveway
One of the biggest challenges we face are obstructions in the street. Cars parked on the street, garbage cans and manmade snow drifts create unnecessary hazards. We ask that you keep your vehicles off the street so we can effectively clean the street for safe passage. Keep in mind our plow trucks are wider than a typical car. During a snow event we will make multiple trips down each side of the street. We aren’t done until the snow stops falling. Please place your garbage cans out on the day of service and pick up the cans promptly once they have been emptied. The best spot for your garbage can during the snow event is ON your driveway.
This is our first big event this Winter, PLEASE be CAUTIOUS and STAY SAFE out there. We have been blessed so far, as this is already the end of January. Call with Public Works with questions at 708-598-7855.
COVID Vaccine
From a recent NBC 5 report earlier today, here’s a full look at who is included in Phase 1B:
- Residents age 65 and over
- Frontline essential workers, which means “residents who carry a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure because of their work duties, often because they are unable to work from home, and/or they must work closely to others without being able to socially distance. This includes:
- First responders: Fire, law enforcement, 911 workers, security personnel, school officers
- Education: Teachers, principals, student support, student aids, day care worker
- Food and agriculture: Processing, plants, veterinary health, livestock services, animal care
- Manufacturing: Industrial production of good for distribution to retail, wholesale or other manufactures
- Corrections workers and inmates: Jail officers, juvenile facility staff, workers providing in-person support, inmates
- USPS workers
- Public transit workers: Flight crew, bus drivers, train conductors, taxi drivers, para-transit drivers, in-person support, ride sharing services
- Grocery store workers: Baggers, cashiers, stockers, pickup, customer service
- Shelters and day care staff: Homeless shelter, women’s shelter, adult day/drop-in program, sheltered workshop, psycho-social rehab
The vaccine remains in limited supply so for now it is recommended that you contact your primary care doctor, the local township health department or local pharmacy to see if they can place you on a vaccination waiting list. Do NOT show up in person before calling because vaccinations are by appointment only until there is enough supply of vaccine provided to the state where a walk in process can be implemented. It is best to remain patient and continue to take proper precautions to maintain your personal safety.
The Great Hank Aaron
Hand Hygiene
https://twitter.com/i/status/1353389536626188290
Benefit to Not Washing Your Car
https://twitter.com/i/status/1353385564867878912
Stay safe!
Mayor Mike