10-Digit Dialing

Beginning October 24, 2021, all of us must dial 10-digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls.  On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7-digits may not be completed and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed.  You must hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number.

Fire Pits – Safety First!

During this time of the year, residents frequently use Fire Pits.  Please note the following general guidelines before using a Fire Pit.

• A Fire Pit cannot exceed three feet in diameter.
• It must be at least four inches below ground.
• It also must be surrounded by a non-combustible steel or brick wall.
• The fire pile cannot exceed two feet in height.
• Only natural firewood / commercial logs may be burned.
• All Fire Pits must be located away from structures or combustible material.
• The fire must be constantly attended and supervised until its’ extinguished.
• A portable extinguisher or garden hose must be readily available.
• As information, the Fire Chief may invoke a “fire ban” at anytime, if he deems it necessary.

Illinois Fall Colors

Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Illinois.  The red, purple, orange, yellow, brown and bronze shades of the leaves reflect the great diversity of more than 250 tree species in our state.  Our fall color season lasts for several weeks.  The peak of fall color in Illinois normally occurs by mid-October in northern and central Illinois and by late October or early November in the southern third of the state.

Courtesy:  Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources

Testing and Changing Your Smoke Alarm Battery

It is recommended you test your alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working properly. If your smoke alarms are powered by a nine-volt battery, the battery should be replaced every 6 months, while the detector itself should be replaced once every 10 years. For 10-year lithium-powered smoke alarms, you won’t need to replace the battery. Instead, replace the entire alarm after 10 years from the manufacture date on the back of the alarm. If your alarm is hardwired into your home’s electrical system, replace the backup battery at least every 6 months and replace the smoke detector itself once every 10 years.

Yard Waste Collection Ends Soon

Yard waste pick-up began April 1st and will continue through November 30, 2021.  More information can be found at www.oak-forest.org, in eBriefs or by calling City Hall.

Indoor Water Use Suggestions

Water can be costly and a family of four may use 400 gallons of water a day and, on average, about 70 percent of that water is used indoors. The bathroom is the largest consumer of indoor water:

• A toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water.
• Older toilets use between 3.5 and 7 gallons of water per flush.
• Ignoring a leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water every day.
• Turning off the water while brushing teeth or shaving can save 200 gallons a month.
• Washing the dishes with an open tap can use up to 20 gallons of water.

Acorn Public Library

Halloween Activities