Bellwood Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

02/03/2026

01/27/2026

This winter, as we turn up the heat and stay cozy indoors, remember:

Carbon monoxide is an invisible killer. You can’t see it. Smell it. Or taste it.

A working CO alarm can save lives.

For more CO safety, go to nfpa.org/co

01/26/2026

The storm may be over soon, but road hazards aren’t! ❄️⚠️

Keep these safety tips in mind before you venture out when it's safe to do so. ⤵️

01/26/2026

The arctic cold isn’t going anywhere this week ❄️

If you or someone you know needs a warm place to go, use the link below to find state warming centers across Illinois.

In addition, many local organizations and community groups are also hosting warming centers—check with your local community for nearby resources.

🔗 https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/dff7a457041b48f6add366ce4dc418b4

Stay warm, and don’t forget to check on your neighbors. ❤️

01/26/2026

Please help keep your firefighters by clearing snow and ice away from the fire hydrants near your home or business after each snowfall. ❄️🔥🚒

A few minutes with a shovel can save critical time during an emergency—and that time can make all the difference. Thank you for helping protect our community.

01/26/2026

The snow may have stopped falling, but the brutal cold continues. With windchill values in the negatives, you are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Follow these tips:

01/23/2026

Cook County will experience extreme cold weather for the next few days. The National Weather Service has advised that wind chills will make it feel as cold as -30°F.

To help residents combat extreme weather conditions, we're opening 24 hour warming centers in the north, west and south suburbs. They'll provide water, snacks and restroom access.

The warming centers will open Thursday, January 22 at 8:30 a.m. and will be open through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, January 26 They are located at:
-Skokie Courthouse: 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077
-Maywood Courthouse: 1500 Maybrook Dr., Maywood, IL 60153
-Markham Courthouse: 16501 S. Kedzie Ave., Markham, IL 60428

For a full list of warming centers, visit: cookgov.me/staywarm

01/23/2026

01/22/2026

We the Officers and members of Bellwood Homeland Security & Emergency Management would like to extend our Deepest Condolences to the Lemont Emergency Management on your loss of Director Tom Ballard 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time

Bellwood Homeland Security & Emergency Management
https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9BKTh8rg/

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Tom Ballard, Director of the Lemont Emergency Management Agency (LEMA). The loss is felt not only within the Village of Lemont, but across our community, our state, and far beyond.

As the Director of LEMA for over 25 years, Tom dedicated himself to keeping our residents safe. He played a vital role in emergency responses, disaster preparations, road closures, traffic control, event logistics, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts that allowed our community to function smoothly during both everyday operations and in times of crisis. Tom served as our community’s severe weather watcher, always keeping an eye on the skies. He assisted communities throughout Illinois needing additional support or recovering from natural tragedies, offering his expertise wherever it was needed. His leadership, assuring presence, and unwavering commitment earned him respect everywhere he went.

We are profoundly grateful for his service, deep knowledge, and the compassion he brought to every situation. Tom poured his heart and soul into everything he did, always going above and beyond for others. He had a remarkable way of making every person he met feel seen, valued and special.

Tom's obituary can be found at Markiewicz Funeral Home, https://www.markiewiczfh.com
Visitation will take place on Monday, January 26, from 2-7 p.m., and on Tuesday, January 27, from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Please keep them in your thoughts as we honor his life and legacy. A special dedication in Tom's honor will be presented at an upcoming Village Board meeting. Our flags are flying at half-staff in honor of Tom.

12/27/2025

12/27/2025

Severe weather risk is low tomorrow but definitely present.

With very impressive shear, high moisture availability for this time of year and marginal CAPE, severe weather is on the table for the region.

Given the dynamics, damaging winds will be the main hazard along with a couple, brief tornadoes.

Timing is 12PM-6PM.

A thin line of strong storm is expected to develop early afternoon then move east though the green region in the afternoon. Again, damaging winds is the main hazard.

Behind the storm, temps will plummet. Be ready for that folks!

12/23/2025

Above normal temperatures are favored through the remainder of the week. Gray and gloomy conditions are expected going into Christmas Day, with low clouds, drizzle, and fog likely to be observed at times.