Grilling Safety

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling.  It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food.  But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard.  They can be very hot, causing burn injuries.  Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.

SAFETY TIPS

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

CHARCOAL GRILLS

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use.  Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

PROPANE GRILLS

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. 
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose.  A propane leak will release bubbles. 
• If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. 
• If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.  Do not move the grill. 
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.

Oak Forest High School Traffic Alert

The main parking lot at Oak Forest High School will be undergoing a major resurfacing project starting on June 1, 2021. The estimated completion date for the project will be August 1, 2021. 

Besides removing the current base and surface of the lot, new lighting will be installed and additional drainage will be added. The project will use a great deal of heavy machinery and will also consist of digging new ditches for drainage and electricity.  To prevent cars or pedestrians from entering the site, fencing will be installed around the parking lot.  The scope of the project will leave the parking lot, and thus the building offices inaccessible for much of the summer.  Almost all interactions will need to be completed over the phone or by email since there will be no parking and access to building entrances will be very limited.

Summer camps will still be held and parents are encouraged to drop students off for the camps.  Drop off will take place on Long Avenue (near the tennis courts) at the rear of the building and then students would walk up the drive to the fieldhouse.  There will not be any student parking at the rear of the building or on Long Avenue.  The Drivers Education program will still take place and students will also need to be dropped off on Long Avenue and walk up the drive to the area designated for the Drivers Ed Cars. 

Please exercise caution when driving in the area because there will be heavy equipment and there will be increased pedestrian traffic at the rear of the building.  Thank you for your cooperation this summer.

OF-C Chamber of Commerce

The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization, "In Business for Business."

Their mission is to be an active leader and a strong voice for the commercial, industrial, civic and general interests of the local business community. We are a proactive force that is focused on marketing, networking and service to our members.

The “OC” Chamber firmly believes in ongoing connections in the community. We host the Oak Forest Fleadh and Community Expo, which brings local residents and businesses together.

The #keepitlocal campaign was created to drive the importance of supporting all of our local businesses. 

Collectively small, local businesses are the Illinois’ largest employer.  Let's support our local businesses as much as we can.  While continuing to shop local is important, there are ways to support our businesses even if you don’t have the ability to spend money.  The OC-Chamber has put together a great list below:

• Join the #keepitlocal Facebook group. This page allows businesses to add daily specials, offers, new hours. 
• Order take-out & delivery & be sure to tip
• Like & review a business on Google & all social platforms they are on
• Like & Share business’ social media posts. If you purchase a gift card or meal, take a picture and share it on your social media and use #keepitlocal or #IllinoisStrong
• Buy a gift card for future use
• Take online virtual classes from your favorite local business
• Like the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area FB Page