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 School is in session, drive carefully
With the new school year now underway, we're urging motorists to stay alert - especially when driving in school zones. To protect the many students who typically trek along Oak Park streets to their neighborhood schools, police are stepping up their presence with additional enforcement efforts at key crossings and along walking routes. Motorists need to be focused and avoid distractions like talking on cell phones as well as come to a complete stop at intersections and not block crosswalks. Drivers also must obey the signals of crossing guards and should never attempt to pass a stopped school bus with lights flashing. Questions? Email police@oak-park.us.
Safe gun storage is critical
The beginning of the school year is a good time to raise awareness on the critical importance of secure firearm storage to prevent gun violence. Safe storage is a simple action residents can take to reduce young people’s access to guns. By Securing all firearms, Modeling responsible behavior, Asking about unsecured firearms in friends’ and family members’ homes, Recognizing the role of firearms in suicide and Telling others about these strategies, we can prevent gun deaths and injuries in our community. We provide free gun locks at any time. Learn more at www.oak-park.us/safestorage.
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Oak Park community members have several resources available for getting assistance during a mental health crisis, and understanding the differences between these options can be key in moments when help is needed. The introduction of 988 as the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, alongside the longstanding 911 emergency system, and specialized local resources like the Thrive Counseling Center (THRIVE) Crisis Line, offers a more refined approach to crisis intervention, depending on the immediate needs of an individual in distress. Read more about the differences between 988, 911 and the Thrive Crisis Line at www.oak-park.us/crisishotlines.
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Submit a crime tip
The Police Department has a Crime Tip Hot Line that can be reached by calling 708.434.1636. Anonymous tips can also be made at www.oak-park.us/crimetip.
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Shred important documents at free event
One of our tips to help prevent identity theft is to shred documents that contain personal information. The Village is hosting a free paper shredding event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. Each household is limited to two bags or small boxes of paper items with personal information such as canceled checks, documents containing credit card numbers, social security numbers and medical information. Residents can also drop off foam products with the No. 6 symbol at this event, which are not accepted as part of the Village's single-stream recycling program. Please collect foam products in a clear, translucent bag. Find more details about the event at www.oak-park.us/shredding925.
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Don't use planters as an ashtray
From our Oak Park Fire Department colleagues:
In recent years we’ve had a several fires on the back porches or balconies of buildings caused by residents extinguishing cigarettes in pots containing soil mixes, mulch or dried vegetation. Potting mixes typically contain highly flammable materials like peat moss, dried bark and pellets that will burn when introduced to a heat source like a smoldering cigarette butt. Smokers may think a butt is out, only to have a fire start several hours later. You should always use caution when smoking and have an ashtray nearby at all times or a place to discard smoking material filled with inert material like sand. Visit www.oak-park.us/firesafety for more information on fire safety or email us at fireprevention@oak-park.us
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The Oak Park Police Department operates under a community policing strategy. Oak Park Deputy Chief Roderick Robinson currently oversees community policing and serves as the point of contact for Oak Park's eight neighborhood zones. Click here for more information, including how to contact the Police Department about safety issues in each neighborhood zone.
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