▼

CodeRed Emergency Notification System

Show All Answers

1. What is CodeRED?

The CodeRED Emergency Notification System is a fast communication service allowing the Village of La Grange to notify citizens of an emergency situation. It enables the Village to provide mass notification quickly and easily.

2. How will I benefit from this service?

The high-speed telephone system will allow the Village to contact participants to provide information about a critical situation, to explain what actions need to be taken, and to notify that the situation has been resolved.

3. What do I have to do to receive this benefit?

To receive CodeRED calls, you will need to register. The service is free. 4. How does CodeRED work?

CodeRED delivers the important message through a high-speed telephone calling system to a phone number entered in the system. Village staff will access CodeRED via a secure portal on the web. A "call area" will be marked identifying street addresses. Telephone numbers will be matched up electronically to these addresses and a pre-recorded message will be sent out via the telephone with information about the incident and instructions for actions to be taken.

5. Will the system work with cell phones?

Yes. However, your cell phone number needs to be associated with your La Grange address for incidents occurring in La Grange. Alternatively, you can use the mobile alerts app to receive notifications concerning incidents based on your location. We encourage you to visit the registration website and follow the instructions for inputting or updating your information.

6. What should I do if I receive a CodeRED message?

1. Listen carefully.


2. Don’t hang up until you hear the whole message. The message will not be repeated.


3. Follow the instructions.


4. Do not call 9-1-1 unless instructed to do so. You will only tie up emergency lines.

7. What does a CodeRED message sound like?

The message will begin with a statement advising that the message is from the Village of La Grange. The remaining text will provide information about the situation, including if and how people need to respond. You may be directed to listen to a local radio or television station for updates and additional information. Here’s a sample of what you might hear:

• Chemical Spill – Shelter in Place
  This is a message from the Village of La Grange. Due to a hazardous material release in your immediate area, all citizens are requested to shelter in their homes; turn off all heating, air conditioning, and ventilation; close windows and doors; and tape any gaps that will allow air inside. Shelter within the innermost part of the house. Bring all pets inside. Please do not call 9-1-1. Once the situation is resolved, you will be notified via the telephone. Thank you for your cooperation.


• Chemical Spill – All Clear
  This is a message from the Village of La Grange. The hazardous materials release has been resolved and it is now safe to resume normal activities. No necessary action need be taken. Thank you for your cooperation.

8. What should I do if I don’t receive a message?

Your area of the community may not be affected. In this case, you won’t receive a call even if it’s only a block away. If your phone number and address don’t match up, or are not even in the system, we encourage you to register with the system.

No one should automatically assume his or her telephone number is included. All La Grange businesses should register. In addition, you should register if you:

• Changed your phone number or address within the last year


• Have an unlisted phone number


• Use a cellular phone as your home phone

9. What is CodeRED used for?

CodeRED will be used for significant incidents and events where the timely notification of an affected population or geographic area is essential.

10. Is CodeRED the only means of notification?

No. CodeRED is only part of the notification process. Other tools include this website and media outlets like local television and radio stations. Residents are always encouraged to tune into local media outlets for the latest information.

11. Will CodeRED be used for all emergency notifications?

Yes. Examples of times when the CodeRED system could be utilized:

• Bomb threats


• Chemical spills or gas leaks


• Drinking water contamination


• Evacuation notices and routes


• Fires or floods


• Hostage situations


• Missing persons


• Utility outages

Severe weather updates

The system will also be used in any other emergency incidents where rapid and accurate notification is essential for life safety.

12. Will CodeRED be used for any non-emergency notifications?

Yes. The system may be used to notify citizens of non-emergency situations as necessary and appropriate.

13. What if I am not at home or cannot answer my phone?

The CodeRED system will record messages to voicemail and answering machines. When there is no answer at a telephone number, CodeRED will attempt to deliver messages three times before deleting the number from the queue.

If you have caller ID installed on your phone, the CodeRED call may display as "OnSolve;" however, the number will be (866) 419-5000. For CodeRed Severe Weather Warning calls, either "OnSolve" or the number (800) 566-9780 will be displayed. Please make a note of this, and do not disregard calls from this number!

14. How can I get the message repeated?

As a new service, if you miss the message for a phone call, you can simply redial the number displayed on your caller ID to hear the last message delivered.

15. Should I register?

It is recommended that all businesses register. All individuals are recommended to register if they have unlisted phone numbers, have changed phone numbers or addresses in the last year, and/or use a cellphone or VOIP (Comcast for example) as their primary number.

16. Does CodeRED offer any other services?

As a new service, CodeRED also offers weather warnings as an opt-in only additional service. Those who opt-in will be provided with information directly from the National Weather Service's Storm Based Warnings. If you are not currently enrolled in this service you may want to click the link above and update your registration.

▼

Community Development

Show All Answers

1. When do I need a building permit?

Find out when the Village of La Grange requires a permit:

Determining Whether a Permit is Required

2. What are the plan review requirements for a building permit?

Download building permit plan review requirements: Plan Review Requirements

3. How long is the plan review process?

The time frame from initial submittal of a permit application to receipt of an initial plan review is 10-15 working days. Subsequent reviews are typically conducted in less than 10 working days, depending upon the complexity of the proposed construction.

4. How do I schedule an inspection?

You can request an inspection through the online permitting portal. A minimum 24 hours notice is needed to schedule an inspection.

5. What is required of each contractor for registration?

View contractor requirements:

Contractor Requirements (PDF)

6. How do I contact JULIE?

For safe digging in Illinois, call JULIE, Inc. at (800) 892-0123.

7. What is the zoning of my property?

To find out the zoning of your property, enter your address in our interactive map application or download the zoning map for La Grange, Illinois:

La Grange Zoning Map (PDF)

8. Is a home inspection required prior to sale of property?

No, a home inspection is not required prior to sale of property.

9. Does La Grange have transfer stamps?

Transfer stamps are not required. All we ask is that your final water bill is paid prior to selling a house.

10. Who should I contact if I have concerns about a wild animal such as a coyote outside my house, a feral cat, or a dead animal?

If you are concerned about a wild or dead animal, please contact our environmental health officer at (708) 579-2320 during regular office hours or the La Grange Police Department's non-emergency number at (708) 579-2333 for off-hours concerns. Wildlife Illinois, a partnership of the USDA, US Fish & Wildlife Service, IDNR, and others, provides information about a variety of common wildlife questions. 

If you are interested in Cook County's feral cat trap/neuter/release (TNR) program, please contact one of the programs many sponsor agencies (e.g. not for profit humane societies).

What to do if you see a Coyote

11. Who should I contact if I have a problem with a restaurant?

If you have a problem with a local restaurant, please contact our environmental health officer at (708) 579-2320.

12. What building codes do we follow?

The Village of La Grange Building Code Information can be found here: 

Building Code Information (Link)

13. How much does a permit cost?

Find out the cost of a permit: Building Permit Fee Schedule

14. Who do I contact for a drainage complaint?

If you have a drainage complaint you'd like to report, please contact our environmental health officer at (708) 579-2320.

15. Who do I contact for code violations such as tall grass, trash outside containers, and building maintenance and repair?

For code violations, please contact our code enforcement officer at (708) 579-2320.

16. Where can I discharge my downspout or sump pump?

Sump pumps must discharge in the rear yard of your property and a minimum offset of five feet from a neighboring property. Sump pumps are not allowed to discharge in the sanitary sewer. Sump pumps may only discharge to a front yard or side yard if approved as a special circumstance by the Village Engineer. Downspouts cannot be discharged toward a neighboring property and must have a minimum offset of five feet from the lot line.

17. What is the minimum temperature in a rental unit?

The minimum temperature from October 1 through May 1 from the hours of 6:30 am to 10:30 pm is 65 degrees. For all other hours, 60 degrees is the minimum temperature.

18. Who do I contact for a heat complaint?

If you have a heat complaint you'd like to report, please contact our environmental health officer at (708) 579-2320.

19. How do I get a temporary food license?

To obtain a temporary food license, please contact our environmental health officer at (708) 579-2320.

20. How do I get to the Community Development Department?

We are located at:
53 S. La Grange Rd.
La Grange, IL 60525

If you enter the La Grange Road main doors, we are up the stairs and to the left.

21. Who can I call to order a dumpster?

Dumpsters must be provided by a scavenger licensed by the Village of La Grange:

Licensed Commercial Refuse Haulers

22. Where can I get a plat of survey for my house?

In some cases, the Village of La Grange may have a copy of your plat of survey. If not, you may need to hire a land surveyor for an updated plat. For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at (708) 579-2320.

▼

Finance

Show All Answers

1. What are the Finance Department Office Hours?

Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

2. What is the annual fee for vehicle stickers?

For passenger cars - $30; Senior Citizens - $5 (limited to one vehicle per household); trucks - $50-$110 depending on classification.

3. When is my vehicle sticker due?

Vehicle stickers are due annually on April 30th. Pursuant to Village ordnance, all vehicles registered or housed within the corporate limits must display a valid vehicle sticker.

4. Does the Village impose watering restrictions?

Yes. Even-numbered addresses – Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
Odd-numbered addresses – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
No watering is permitted on Mondays

5. Who do I contact for a final water meter reading if I am moving?

Please call the Water Dept. at 579-2301 to set up a final reading on the day of closing.

6. Does the Village require animal licenses?

Yes, the annual license fee is $10. All dogs and cats more than three months old must be leashed and licensed.

▼

Fire Department

Show All Answers

1. How can we schedule someone from the Fire Department to come out and make a fire safety presentation to our organization?

The Fire Department would be happy to make a presentation on any fire safety related topic that would be of interest to your organization. For further information, please contact the Fire Department Secretary at (708)579-2338.

2. If I call for an ambulance, will I receive a bill in the mail for these services?

The Village of La Grange charges a user fee for ambulance services and utilizes a private billing company to process ambulance fees.

3. How can we schedule a group tour of the fire station?

Our fire station is always accessible to our residents. If you have a group that would like an educational tour, please call in advance so arrangements can be made. Please allow at least a two-week notice. For more information, call the Fire Department Secretary at (708)579-2338.

▼

Flood Mitigation

Show All Answers

1. What is being done to address flooding?

Flood mitigation is a continued effort that encompasses a spectrum of short- and long-term initiatives including major stormwater system construction projects, annual construction to repair and improve the sewer system, maintenance activities such as slip-lining, cleaning, televising, catch basin clearing, street sweeping, and the conduct of engineering studies that serve to identify where targeted investments will have the greatest impact on mitigating floods, as well as policies and regulations aimed at reducing flooding over time. 

2. What will have the greatest impact on flooding in La Grange?

The South Basin/50^th Street conveyance system has been designed to provide the greatest amount of flooding relief to the residents south of 47^th Street in La Grange. It stands to improve stormwater drainage in six depressional areas which span west to east across the Village. The project represents a significant infrastructure investment for areas located south of 47th street.

3. What about areas north of 50th Street?

This area, referred to as the North Basin, is the subject of a comprehensive study being conducted by Christopher Burke Engineering. The study will serve to update modeling for drainage in this area, ultimately contributing to a prioritized list of projects that will serve to improve the occurrence of flooding in this area.

4. When will the South Basin/50th Street relief sewer be constructed?

More recently, construction has been delayed due to litigation with Hanson Quarry in McCook. Recent rulings by the Chancery Court have allowed the Village to proceed with preparing documents for bidding the project. The Village will also work with its partner, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (a regional entity that provides stormwater management), to arrive at an agreement (referred to as an Intergovernmental Agreement) for the funding to support the project.

5. When can I see what the engineering plans/study results?

Engineering plans for the South Basin/50^th Street relief sewer are contingent upon several factors which are part of the iterative process of developing bid documents. The current timeline for having a biddable package that can be issued for construction companies to bid on the work is April 2024. 

The North Basin Study is underway with modeling and data collection taking place through October. Preliminary results are anticipated by December, and a finalized study is anticipated in January 2024.

Engineering plans and studies include data collection, modeling, and iterative steps of design, modeling, and redesign prior to the development of initial and final proposals. Studies are performed by Civil Engineers with specialized training. The scope and complexity of conveyance design dictates the time required to prepare proposals. The conduct of this work involves the consideration and review of many design aspects, with the ultimate design reflecting the best solution for realizing the project’s objectives.

6. What if my home floods?

There are several resources listed on the Village’s Storm Preparation and Response webpage including how to clean your home and ways in which you might mitigate flooding in the future. If you’ve experienced a sewer backup, you may want to consider the Village’s residential Sewer Backup Prevention Grant Program. 

7. How does new home construction impact our system?

New construction is managed closely, as the addition of new impervious surface can increase the water flowing into sewer systems. La Grange has very restrictive drainage and stormwater management requirements that go above and beyond what is required by the MWRD for all municipalities within their jurisdiction. Residential site development standards require grading improvements and below ground, on-site retention facilities (dissipation systems) for new single-family homes.    

As a result of these requirements, new construction sites improve stormwater management as compared to properties developed without these requirements. Once constructed, these properties provide storage equivalent to one inch of rainfall over 45% of lot coverage and groundwater displaced by building foundations.

8. I have pictures and video of flooding in or near my home. Can I provide those to engineers?

Videos and images can be submitted using the Flooding Event Report Form. Additionally, the Village maintains a webpage dedicated storm preparation and response which may contain helpful information.

9. Not finding what you are seeking?

Send an email inquiry.

▼

Lead Service Lines

Show All Answers

1. What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Lead can be found in air, soil, dust, food, and water.

2. Why are some Water Service Lines made from lead?

Lead was a commonly used material for water service lines before the 1950s. It was also used as a material in some plumbing parts until the Clean Water Act was passed in 1986 regulating lead in water. Approximately 70% of Village's more than 5,152 water service lines are presumed to be made from lead.

3. How can I be exposed to lead?

The most common source of lead exposure is from paint in homes and buildings built before 1978, before lead-based paints were banned for use in housing. Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are the main sources of exposure to lead in American youth. Although the main sources of exposure to lead are ingesting paint chips and inhaling dust, lead also can be found in some household plumbing materials and some water service lines. The Environmental Protection Agency states that lead pipes are more likely to be found in older homes built before Congress enacted lead-reduction requirements as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act amendments in 1986. As a result, homes built in or after 1986 are far less likely to have lead pipes.

4. Does La Grange water have lead in it?

The EPA regulates drinking water supplies to ensure that they are safe. As a result, the Village regularly tests its water for lead, bacteria, and other regulated contaminants. No lead contaminant level violations were recorded during the last Water Quality test. To view the Village’s Annual Water Quality Reports, please click here.

5. When will my service line be replaced?

Replacement of lead service lines has begun, with service line replacements occurring concurrently with watermain replacement projects. Starting in 2025, the Village will carry out a multi-year plan to replace all of the lead service lines found within the Village. All service lines are planned for replacement by the end of 2029.

6. What will the Village's Lead Service Replacement Program replace?

Service lines in La Grange are privately owned all the way to the watermain. In implementing the Lead Service Line Replacement program, the Village has designated the portion from the watermain to the B-Box (shut-off valve) the public portion of the service line, with the private segment of the service designated as the portion of the service from the B-Box to the water meter located inside the home or business.

The illustration below shows a water service line from its connection to your home all the way to the water main. You can see the portion of the water service line that is the owner's responsibility and the portion that is the Village’s responsibility. 

7. What will I need to do?

During the time in which the program is active, owners of properties served by lead service lines will receive a notification regarding the program. Two options will be presented, which includes participating or declining to participate the Village program. A participation agreement will be included along with the notification. Please complete and return these forms to the Village as instructed in the notification.

Individuals who elect not to have the Village replace their lead service line on private property will be required to complete a form that will be submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health documenting that consent was not given to perform the replacement.

8. What if I want my Service Line replaced sooner?

It is important for the Village to make the most of available funds by efficiently managing replacement projects in a systematic fashion. It is also understandable that some property owners may want to replace their service line prior to replacement under the Village’s multi-year schedule.

Service line replacements performed outside of the Village’s replacement program are the sole responsibility of the property owner. Costs are borne by the property owner and the Village will not reimburse costs associated with replacements performed outside of the scheduled replacements in the program. 

If you would like to hire a contractor to complete this work on your private property, a building permit from the Community Development Department will be required. Any work must be completed by an IL licensed plumber with a valid La Grange contractor registration. Upon approval of plans and payment of fees, the Public Works Department will perform necessary inspections and install the water meter as required. View a schedule of fees for the new water service.

9. What can I expect?

At least 45 days prior to a lead service replacement, the Village will send you a notification, providing details on the work being performed in your neighborhood.

Water service line replacement will be completed by a Village-hired contractor. Landscape restoration is the responsibility of the property owner. A trenchless replacement process will be used to minimize yard disruption. You will receive instructions with any information you may need, and we will keep you updated during this process.

10. How do I find more information?

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791 or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Additional information on lead service lines can be found at the following:

• YouTube Video from the American Water Works Association: Together, Let's Get the Lead Out 
• Environmental Protection Agency: Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water

11. What are additional preventative actions I can take?

Regular monitoring and testing is performed to ensure continued availability of safe drinking water. However, if you learn that you have a lead service line and you would like to take additional preventative actions, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency provides the following to reduce potential exposures in drinking water:

• Run water at the kitchen tap for 1-2 minutes to clear potential lead from household plumbing. Then, fill a container with water and store it in the refrigerator for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula throughout the day.
• Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula, as lead dissolves more easily into hot water.
• You can consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter that is certified to remove "total lead."
• Clean and remove any debris from faucet aerators on a regular basis.
• Purchase lead-free faucets and plumbing components.
• Test your water for lead. If test results indicate a lead level above 15 parts per billion, bottled water should be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, young children and formula-fed infants.

12. Not finding what you are seeking?

Send an email inquiry.

▼

Parking

Show All Answers

1. Do I have to feed the meters on weekends?

No. You only need to do so on week days.

2. How many nights am I allowed to receive overnight parking permission?

Parking is prohibited on all streets between 2:00 am and 6:00 am. Signage is located at the entrances to the Village. Special permission for unique circumstances can be obtained by calling the Police Department at (708) 579-2333. Citizens are restricted to five special permission requests per month.

▼

Police

Show All Answers

1. What are curfew hours?

The Village curfew applies to those 17 years old and younger (Village Ordinance 132.02). Curfew hours are as follows:

• Sunday to Thursday - 11:00 pm to 6:00 am


• Friday and Saturday - 12:00 am to 6:00 am

2. How old does my child have to be to stay home alone?

Under Illinois law, no child under 14 years of age should be left without supervision.

3. At what age must children be in car seats?

Children under eight years old must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat. For more information please view Car Seat Information.

4. What are the allowed hours for construction?

Construction is not permitted before 7:00 am.

5. How do I get a copy of a police report?

Call the records clerk at (708) 579-2333, extension 301 (option two on the phone menu).

6. Are police officers trained to de-escalate altercations?

The Police and Community Relations Improvement Act (50 ILCS 727) and Illinois Police Training Act (50 ILCA 705) mandates training requirements for active police officers in the State of Illinois. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is the state agency mandated to oversee training requirements, curriculum and standards. The Police Department’s training regimen includes de-escalation training. More information regarding Police Officer training is provided on the Village website and the Police Department Monthly Reports.

The La Grange Police Department has multiple policies that require the use of de-escalation techniques in a variety of scenarios. Some examples of those scenarios are mental health calls, civil disputes and civil commitments.

7. Who can I call about a wild animal in my house?

The Village does not perform these removal services; however, there are several private removal companies in the area.

8. Are police officers required to exhaust other possible options before using force?

Pursuant to La Grange Police Policy, Officers shall use only that amount of force that is reasonably necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose. Officers using any type of force are accountable for the force that was used. The La Grange Police Department takes all use of force incidents seriously and is committed to review and evaluate all incidents

9. Are police officers trained in a use of force continuum?

La Grange Police policies outline a use of force continuum which provides for a variety of interactions:

Level 1 – Officer Presence

Level 2 – Verbal commands

Level 3 – Physical Compliance Techniques

Level 4 – Chemical Agents

Level 5 – Less Lethal

Level 6 – Deadly Force

10. Does the La Grange Police Department use chokeholds and strangleholds?

The Illinois Criminal Code (720ILCS 5/7-5.5) details prohibited use of force by peace officers. A “chokehold” is unlawful under the Illinois Criminal Code when used by a law enforcement officer in any situation where deadly force is not justified. The Police Department also has a policy prohibiting chokeholds which mirrors the State Statute.

11. Are police officers required to intervene if they witness another officer using force that is unreasonable

Police Officers observing another officer using force that is beyond that which is reasonable under the circumstances are required to intercede to prevent the use of unreasonable force. An officer who observes another employee use force that exceeds the degree of force permitted by law are required to promptly report the observations to a supervisor. In all allegations of unreasonable force, an internal investigation will commence by the order of the Chief of Police and where found, may result in discipline ranging from reprimand through suspension or termination.

12. Are police officers required to give a verbal warning before drawing their weapon or using force?

La Grange Police Department policy states that a verbal warning should precede the use of deadly force where feasible. Officers shall use force only to the extent reasonably necessary given the facts and circumstances confronting the officer to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose. Officers using any type of force are accountable for the force that was used. The La Grange Police Department takes all use of force incidents seriously and is committed to review and evaluate all incidents.

13. Are police officers allowed to shoot at moving vehicles?

A La Grange Police Officer is not allowed to discharge a firearm at or from a moving vehicle unless deadly force is justified. The Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/7-5) identifies the parameters of a Police Officer’s use of force in making an arrest and including the use of deadly force.

14. Are police officers required to report each time they use force?

La Grange Police policies require that any use of force shall be documented promptly, completely and accurately. A report is required to be filed for any incident involving the use of physical compliance techniques, chemical agents or weapons and a review of the incident is conducted by supervisory staff. The La Grange Police Department takes all use of force incidents seriously and is committed to reviewing and evaluating all use of force incidents.

15. Are police officers trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after use of force?

It is the policy of the La Grange Police Department that if an injury is alleged or results from a police officer’s use of force, it shall be the involved Officer’s responsibility to ensure that adequate medical care is made available to the injured party as soon as practicable.

The protocol for providing medical aid includes notification to a supervisor, summoning medical assistance, and documentation of injuries and a written report. All La Grange police officers are trained in first aid, CPR, and the medical administration of Narcan.

▼

Public Works

Show All Answers

1. How do I report a street light that is out?

Please send an email to the Public Works Department providing the location of the street light that is out. Typically repairs are made within one week of receiving the service request.

2. How do I contact Public Works for an emergency after normal business hours?

If you have an emergency that requires the immediate attention of Public Works, such as a broken water line, please call the Police Department's non-emergency number, which is (708) 579-2333.

3. How do I report a pot hole?

Please send an email to the Public Works Department, and be sure to provide the location of the pothole including the street name, nearest address, and location in the street (i.e., eastbound lane, northwest corner, etc.). Typically repairs are made within one to two days of receiving the service request.

4. How do I request barricades for a block party?

Please fill out the following online form, which will be submitted to the appropriate sources. The Public Works Department will send you a letter in the mail after receiving your request. Block Party Request Form

▼

West Nile Virus Information

Show All Answers

1. Why do I need to be concerned about mosquito prevention and protection?

Currently, the West Nile Virus is the main reason why you should take measures to protect yourself and your property. The West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infection carried by mosquitoes. In the past, WNV was found in Africa, in the Middle East and in parts of Europe, Russia, India, and Indonesia. WNV may have entered the United States through an infected traveler, bird, or mosquito and first appeared here on the east coast of the United States in 1999.

People get WNV from the bite of a mosquito that is infected with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected and carry the virus in their blood. Once infected, the mosquito can spread the virus to humans and other animals.

2. What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?

Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms of illness and never become ill. Some people may become ill three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms may include fever, headaches, and body aches. More severe symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, confusion, and muscle weakness.

3. Who can get the virus?

Anybody can become infected with WNV, so it’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. People over the age of 50 and/or with chronic diseases, such as heart disease or cancer, may be more at risk for serious illness. Most human cases occur in the late summer or early fall.

4. Is there any treatment for West Nile Virus?

No specific treatment or vaccine for WNV exists. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. If you believe you may have been infected, call your doctor.

5. What can I do to help reduce mosquito breeding on my property?

• Be sure screens are in good repair and tight-fitting.


• Change water in bird baths, wading pools, etc., at least once a week.


• Clean rain gutters and downspouts to prevent water from standing in tin gutters or on flat roofs.


• Maintain private catch basins. Please report these to the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District at (708) 447-1765 for treatment and to the Village at (708) 579-2300 for recording purposes.


• Stack water-holding containers upside down.


• Stock ornamental ponds with goldfish or other surface-eating fish to control mosquito breeding.


• Throw away all trash that holds water.

6. How can I best protect myself and others from getting an infection transmitted by mosquitoes?

• Limit time outside at dawn, at dusk, and in the early evening.


• Use mosquito repellents only as directed. Repellents containing 25% to 35% diethyl tolumide (DEET) can be very effective in preventing bites. Talk to your doctor before applying repellent on infants and children.


• Wear pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts while outdoors (loose-fitting and light-colored clothing is best).

7. What should I do if I find a dead bird?

• Contact the Cook County Department of Public Health at (708) 492-2035 to report your sighting. In addition, you will need to contact the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District at (708) 447-1765.


• Dispose of the dead bird only if you can double-bag it. Avoid bare-hand contact by using gloves or a shovel to pick up the bird.