BUFFALO GROVE – As the coldest part of the year continues, families are turning up their thermostats to stay warm. With additional furnace use comes greater possibility of home fires, leading Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) to remind people they need to regularly check their smoke detectors, furnaces and other home devices.

“Home fires are more common in winter than any other season, and heating equipment is one of the main causes,” Johnson said. “The best way to ensure your family stays safe this winter is to regularly check that your furnace, furnace filters and smoke detectors are working properly.” 

Between 2012 and 2016 alone, the National Fire Protection Association said local departments responded to more than 52,000 fires involving home heating equipment – most of which happened in December, January and February. Checking home heating devices and smoke detectors is the first step toward ensuring a home is protected.

Homeowners should also keep in mind the harmful effects of carbon monoxide – a colorless and odorless gas only detectable by certain devices and alarms. If that equipment is not checked monthly, carbon monoxide can sneak up on a household – leading to serious illness or death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

“If you don’t check your carbon monoxide devices regularly, you could be putting your family at risk,” Johnson said. “Carbon monoxide can kill you before you’re even aware it’s in your home if you don’t regularly test your alarms.”

The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends homeowners keep these tips in mind when it comes to winter heating safety:

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Change furnace filters frequently.
• Keep interior and exterior air vents clear of blockages or obstructions.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like a furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month and be familiar with the sounds they make.
• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each floor of your home and within 15 feet of each sleeping area.
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions for information on replacement of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

For more tips and information on winter heating safety, visit the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal website.

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) joined Governor JB Pritzker at the newly-opened Lake County Fairgrounds vaccination site Wednesday.

“The vaccination site puts our community on a quicker path toward full recovery,” Johnson said. “Thousands of Lake County residents have already been vaccinated, and seeing more people have that opportunity has given me hope for a more normal world.”

The COVID-19 vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds opened earlier this month as a way to expedite the vaccination process for as many people as possible. Because of the size of the expo hall, dozens of vehicles can be parked inside while the vaccine is administered to them through their windows. 

To receive a vaccine, a person must first be registered on the Lake County AllVax system and bring their QR code, which will then be scanned before the vaccine is delivered. People without an appointment will be turned away.

Any person who is a frontline health care worker, first responder, front-line essential worker or over the age of 65 is now available to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. By next week, the local health department hopes 1,000 people will be able to receive a vaccine at the fairgrounds each day.

“I encourage anyone eligible for the vaccine to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible. All other residents should register on the AllVax system so they are alerted when they can get their dose,” Johnson said. “The only way to end the virus is for everyone to get vaccinated.”

For eligibility questions and other questions about the vaccine, people are encouraged to visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.

BUFFALO GROVE — Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging people to help the community stop the spread of the virus by becoming a COVID-19 Prevention Ambassador.

“Even though restrictions have loosened and vaccine distribution has begun, we can’t stop wearing a mask, social distancing and getting tested,” Johnson said. “You can now help your community help itself by being a COVID-19 Prevention Ambassador.”

With just an hour or two time commitment per month, people can use their voice to influence others to stop the spread. As an ambassador, people will share information among their friends, family, peers, and neighbors on prevention measures, testing resources and other relevant information.

Ambassadors will spend just one to two hours a month contributing to solutions to end COVID-19 in their communities. They will participate in virtual meetings, promote prevention measures and organize virtual outreach activities. 

“The only way to stop COVID-19 is by working together for the common cause, holding our loved ones accountable, and getting vaccinated,” Johnson said. “Together, we can reach the end of this ongoing health crisis.” 

Any Illinoisan can join the program — which was spearheaded by the Illinois Department of Public Health. To learn more and sign up to become an ambassador, people can click here. 

BUFFALO GROVE — To show older adults in long-term care facilities that people are thinking about them, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is collecting store-bought or hand-made cards to donate for Valentine’s Day. 

“Older adults, especially those who may live far from family, need a chance to connect with others,” Johnson said. “One simple card can deliver so much power.”

Senator Johnson will collect cards at her district office from now until Feb. 10. The cards will then be donated to a number of long-term care facilities across the district she represents. 

People wishing to participate can drop off cards at an outside collection box or mail them to 100 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee, IL 60031.

Senator Johnson reminds everyone to maintain social distancing and to wear a mask if choosing to deliver cards in person.