Pontiac fire chief offers holiday safety tips

Posted on May 28, 2017
Local first responders are offering tips to keep the holiday safe. (Photo courtesy Flickr/Nate Burgos)

By Cynthia Grau

PONTIAC – Aside from recognizing the military members who have left us too soon, Memorial Day Weekend is also the time that ushers in warmer weather and many outdoor activities – and, many safety hazards.

Pontiac Fire Chief Scott Runyon gives a few tips to keep in mind while enjoying time with family and friends this weekend.

“First of all, don’t drink and drive, because there will be a lot of people out this weekend. If you’re going to drink, stay home or have someone drive you,” Runyon said. “Recreational fires in the backyard and grills – keep them away from structures. Good rule of thumb is a minimum of 25 feet away from areas just to be on the safe side for open burning. Always swim with someone to make sure you’re safe.”

A complete list of safety tips can be found at redcross.org.

Cynthia Grau can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…