Skokie Public Works Crews and First Responders Work Hard on Storm Response

Within minutes after the early evening storm that hit Skokie on Friday, August 30, Skokie Public Works Department crews were out in the community assessing and clearing damage from downed trees and tree branches.  On Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, some 40 Public Works employees worked in 12-hour shifts to clear the community of debris and, importantly, to assist Commonwealth Edison crews that worked to restore power to Skokie customers without service.  Public Works tree crews continued to work in the community throughout the entire holiday weekend.
As of Tuesday, September 3, Public Works reported removal of 25 trees as a result of the storm, and also estimated that an additional 35 trees require removal due to storm damage.  Crews from the City of Evanston assisted the Skokie Public Works personnel with the storm clean up as part of a mutual aid agreement.
The Fire and Police Departments also responded to increased citizen calls resulting from the storm.  On August 30 and 31, a total 1,200 calls were received, with Fire and Police personnel dispatched to sites throughout the community reporting storm damage, auto accidents, wires down, alarm problems and more.  The Police Department called in additional personnel to handle phone inquiries and assist with response to calls requiring immediate attention.  Several off-city Fire Department personnel also were called in to assist with emergency response. By comparison, the Village’s Emergency Communications Center typically receives 375 calls on a Friday evening through Saturday.
In the aftermath of the storm, emergency personnel reported numerous ‘good neighbor’ incidents throughout the community, with neighbors pulling together and helping each other.  In the days following the storm, the Village has received numerous ‘thank you’ communications from residents in appreciation for the hard work and dedication of Public Works personnel and first responders.  Said one resident in an email to the Village, “A big heartfelt thanks for the long hours, hard work and quick action by the Village after Friday’s storm.  I’ve lived here for 22 years and feel we have the finest services, especially during times when the people count on their village for help.”  The Village appreciates residents’ patience and support with the storm response operations.
For more information please contact: Ann Tennes, Director of Marketing and Communications, 847/933-8234.