Joyce raises awareness about cooking fires during National Fire Prevention Week

• Illinois State Fire Marshal
• Fire Safety

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is drawing attention to the leading cause of home fires and is urging people to become familiar with the safety guidelines suggested by the Illinois State Fire Marshal during National Fire Prevention Week.

“Cooking continues to be a main contributor to home fires,” Joyce said. “During this year’s National Fire Prevention Week, take a moment to consider where potential cooking hazards exist, along with basic but critical ways to prevent them.”

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S. Almost half of reported home fires start in the kitchen, and in 2019, Illinois fire departments responded to nearly 6,500 fires that were either caused by cooking or originated in the kitchen, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System.

Keep these fire safety tips in mind when cooking:

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen, and if you must leave the room, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly, remain at home and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• Don’t cook if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or have consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when cooking. Should a small grease fire start, don’t pour water on it—slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

To learn more about National Fire Prevention Week, visit the NFPA website.

Joyce highlights $5 million in business grants for livestock farmers, small meat plants

• COVID-19
• Agriculture

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) encourages livestock producers and small meat and poultry plants suffering interruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for $5 million in business recovery funding through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.  

“There is no doubt that Illinois farmers have suffered as a result of this public health crisis,” said Joyce, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Our agriculture economy is a driving force for our state, and it’s vital that we help these folks get back on track. These programs are a huge win for livestock farmers and small meat plants in Illinois.”

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically slowed livestock processing throughout the state, which forced farmers to hold animals for longer periods of time, resulting in higher input costs and cancelled, delayed or reduced sales.

Financial assistance is available through three programs administered by the Department of Agriculture. Individuals and businesses are only eligible to apply for one program, and applicants located in a disproportionately impacted area (DIA) will receive a 10% increase in funding. A list of DIA’s can be found here.

Online applications are available at agr.state.il.us. Applications will close on Oct. 31, 2020. Questions about this funding can be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Joyce recommends older adults get their flu shots

• Flu Shot

PARK FOREST – As flu season nears, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging all Illinoisans, but especially older adults, to get a flu vaccine.

“Getting a flu shot this fall will be more important than ever as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19,” Joyce said. “With flu season fast approaching, I am asking all residents to get a flu shot to help keep our community safe and healthy this winter.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, older adults and people with chronic health issues are more likely to develop serious complications resulting from an influenza infection. While flu seasons are variable in their severity, people 65 years and older tend to be the most vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in adults 65 years and older.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover one flu shot per flu season. It is always advisable to consult a health care provider before seeking medical treatment. Find a vaccine provider near you with Vaccine Finder.

Joyce to help residents explore utility bill savings options at upcoming clinic

• CUB