SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK 2025

Extreme weather can strike anywhere at any time. To raise awareness and encourage preparedness, communities across the United States recognize Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 3–7. This annual event is a vital reminder for individuals, families, and communities to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their property from nature’s unpredictability. Here are some key resources to help you stay informed, connected, and safe when severe weather occurs.

Severe Weather Preparedness Tips:

Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan for your household, including evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and communication strategies.

Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.

Stay Informed: Stay abreast of weather forecasts and warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and sign-up for the Village's Northbrook Notify mass communication system. Have multiple ways to receive alerts, including radio, mobile apps, and local news channels.

Secure Your Property: Take preemptive measures to protect your home and belongings. Trim trees, secure outdoor furniture, reinforce doors and windows, and consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant glass.

Know Your Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in your area and heed evacuation orders issued by authorities. Plan for the needs of pets and livestock as well.

Stay Safe During the Storm: If caught in severe weather, seek shelter indoors away from windows, and avoid using electrical appliances or plumbing fixtures. If outdoors, find a sturdy building or lie flat in a low-lying area.

After the Storm: Exercise caution when returning home after a severe weather event. Watch out for downed power lines, debris, and floodwaters. Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities.

Resources: 
Village Master Stormwater Management Plan
Managing Flooding On/Near Your Property
National Weather Service Preparedness Tips
Village Communication Resources
NOAA Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Illinois

Village Events

Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting, introspection, and prayer. From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food and drink, breaking their fasts each day with shared meals among family and friends. The conclusion of Ramadan is joyously celebrated with a three-day festival called Eid al-Fitr. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Friday, February 28, 2025 and end on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

International Women's Day
Saturday, March 8
International Women's Day is a global holiday that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women today and throughout history. This day serves as a reminder of the progress made towards gender equality, while also highlighting the work that still needs to be done. Let's celebrate the strength, courage, and achievements of women everywhere.

Women's History Month
March
March is Women's History Month. Women’s History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Daylight Savings Time
Sunday, March 9 at 2am
Spring forward and move your clocks ahead one hour for the start of Daylight Savings Time, which starts on Sunday, March 9 at 2am. The Northbrook Fire Department reminds residents to also change the batteries in their smoke alarms and CO detectors.

Electrify Your Home | Northbrook
Monday, March 17 at 7pm
Northbrook Public Library, Pollak Room
Learn how switching your appliances from gas to electric reduces demand for fossil fuels and benefits your health and your wallet. By switching your heating, cooling, water heating, laundry, and cooking appliances to all-electric power sources, you can eliminate carbon emissions from your home, save money on utility bills, and reduce demand for fossil fuel energy. A Northbrook homeowner will describe his experience converting to electric, and government and ComEd incentives will be discussed.

Northbrook Originals Arts Commission Application Now Live!
Application deadline: Thursday, March 20
Calling all Northbrook artists! The Northbrook Arts Commission, in collaboration with the Northbrook Public Library, is excited to announce the 2025 Northbrook Originals Art Exhibition. The application is now live, and the exhibition will be displayed on all three floors of the library from April 10 to June 1, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for Northbrook artists to showcase their original work to the community.

All-In Composting
Starting in May 2025
Starting in May, all LRS Residential customers in Northbrook will receive a 35-gallon composting cart for year-round disposal of yard waste and food scraps. The cart, with a yellow lid, will be delivered during the last two weeks of April. Curbside pickup will begin May 7, 2025. Not interested in composting? Opt out by March 10, 2025, to avoid receiving the composting cart. To opt-out of the All-In Composting program, click here. Opting out does not reduce your monthly billing. 

LRS Subscription (Enhanced) Composting Pickup Schedule
Now - March 31, 2025
From December 1 through March 31, compost pickup (yard waste and organics) for residents who have the subscription service will switch from weekly to every-other-week service. You can review the winter subscription compost collection schedule here. Yard waste collection (bags with stickers) will resume in April for residents without
subscription compost pickup.
Learn more: LRSRecycles.com or call 844.633.3577

Electric Leaf Blower Incentives
Now - Wednesday, April 30
The Village of Northbrook has launched an incentive program to help residents transition from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers. The program will run until April 30, 2025, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents can receive an instant $40 discount on electric leaf blowers purchased at the Northbrook Ace Hardware Store (1941 Cherry Ln). The discount applies to both battery-powered and corded electric leaf blowers from various manufacturers.

Electronics Recycling 
First Tuesday & Saturday of the month
Fleet Maintenance Garage, 1227 Cedar Lane
Bring your old and unused electronics to be recycled. Residents are responsible for removing items from their vehicles. Do not leave items at the Village’s facility outside of the recycling events. 1st Tuesday of the month, 7am-3pm & 1st Saturday of the month, 9am-noon.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Arts Commission
Thursday, March 6 at 6:30pm
Terrace Room, Village Hall

Administration and Finance Committee 
Tuesday, March 11 at 6pm
Civic Room, Northbrook Public Library

Village Board of Trustees Meeting - Joint with Plan Commission
Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30pm
Sandra “Sandy” Frum Board Room, Village Hall

Watch the live streaming here, on Facebook live, or on Cable Channel 17. AT&T U-verse customers tune to Channel 99 and search "Northbrook."

NOTE: The Disability Inclusion Commission regular meeting on Thursday, March 6, and the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, March 11 have both been canceled. 

News You Can Use