What Happens If? Residents of Senior Living Community Explore Kane County's Emergency Response Plans

Residents at Greenfields just west of Geneva recently took a closer look at emergency preparedness during a presentation by the Kane County Office of Emergency Management.

Located across the road from the Union Pacific railroad tracks in unincorporated Kane County, some residents of the large senior living community raised an important question: What would happen if a train carrying hazardous materials derailed and an evacuation became necessary?     

While senior living complexes are required by law to maintain emergency and disaster plans, residents wanted to hear directly from first responders about how emergency situations are managed and what they can do to be prepared.

Kane County Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director Jon Mensching outlined the extensive planning, training, and coordination that take place before an emergency occurs. He explained that the initial response to a hazardous materials incident would come from the local fire department—in this case, the Elburn Countryside Fire Protection District—with additional support available through mutual aid agreements and Kane County agencies, including KaneComm 911, the Sheriff's Office, the Department of Environmental and Water Resources, the Division of Transportation, and the Kane County Health Department. State and federal agencies may also be called upon as needed, depending on the scope of the incident.

Emergency officials evaluate each incident to determine whether residents should shelter in place or evacuate. Decisions are based on factors such as the type of hazardous material involved, weather conditions, and computer modeling that helps predict the affected area. In the event of a train incident, hazardous materials can be identified through placards displayed on rail cars.   

Mensching emphasized that while first responders continually train and prepare for emergencies, residents also play an important role in being ready. He encouraged everyone to:

• Sign up for Kane County's free emergency alert system.
• Know their shelter-in-place and evacuation plans.
• Maintain a communication plan and keep important phone numbers accessible.
• Prepare an emergency kit with medications, cash, eyeglasses, chargers, and other essentials.
• Plan ahead for pets, including food, supplies, and transportation needs.

To sign up for Kane County emergency alerts, visit:
https://oem.kanecountyil.gov/Pages/Emergency-Alerts.aspx