ELERT is a public address system that was created by Ken Davis from Chatham, IL. This software provides text messages, e-mail messages, and computer desktop alerting of severe weather, public works incidents, road closers, and other incidents that require public notification. This program will supplement current alerting systems such as television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, and tornado siren warnings. This service is provided free of charge from the Clearlake Township, Village of Riverton and the Riverton Fire & EMS who is the host.

The need arose to implement this software due to public concern over the current alerting systems (television, radio, and tornado sirens) not being an effective local warning system. This became clear during the tornado outbreak of March 2006 when power was lost through out Sangamon County. At that time cell and land line phone systems were overwhelmed with voice calls, but the data system (text messaging) worked flawlessly.

What elerts can you expect? Boil orders, electrical power outage, natural gas leak, water main break, road closure, snow emergency routes/warnings, flood watch, severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado watch/warning, tornado siren activation statements, local area emergency, law enforcement warning, Amber Alert and the required monthly test.

Clear Lake Township and the Riverton Fire District went live on March 4, 2009. The Village of Riverton went live on the system on March 13, 2009. The service is provided free of charge with standard text messaging charges applying. To register or for further information please visit the elert website by following this tag: elert.rafpd.org/" target=_self>elert.rafpd.org.

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The township announced in September, 2007, that construction would begin on a water fill station. The closest station is currently in Dawson. According to the Illinois Water Survey there are 1100 recorded wells in the township. In addition, Clear Lake Township has many farms and pools. With the cooperation of Sugar Creek Water District the station opened.

The water fill station opened on November 28, 2007. Cost is $1.00 per 150 gallons (approximately) pending hose size and water pressure. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A 3" hose connection is required. Station is located on the west side of the office parking lot. The station does have a stop button for emergencies or for small users.

DUMPSTER PROGRAM

Location: Clear Lake Township Garage, 4260 Old Route 36

Hours: 8 am - Noon every month except holiday weekends

When? 1st Saturday of each month

Fees: $10.00 load (standard load size 4x8, attendants discretion)

$15.00 over-sized load

$ 2.00 tire (limit 4, must be off the rim, standard car/truck tires only)

Rules

Clear Lake Township residents only
Photo ID/proof of residency required
No salvaging
No interim dumping
No commercial dumping
One trip only
Minors must never be left unattended
Violators subject to being barred from program

Non-Acceptable Items:

Everyday household garbage; fluorescent lights; mercury, thermometers & medical waste; batteries (household/automotive); oil based & aerosol paints, stains/finishes & paint thinners; propane tanks; fire extinguishers; mattresses & box springs (unless torn apart); yard waste (grass clippings & leaves); animal carcasses, large construction material (building tear down, shingles, etc.); explosives & fireworks; pesticides, insecticides & herbicides; chemicals (hobby, yard, pool, household); antifreeze & old gasoline/diesel; any item labeled "hazardous material"

Acceptable Items:

Appliances, lawn mowers, water heaters (all liquids drained); furniture, water-based/latex paint (give to attendant)

This program is sponsored by the Village of Riverton and Clear Lake Township

Modeling the snow emergency level ordinance adopted by the Sangamon County Board, the Township adopted a snow emergency level ordinance on January 8, 2008. The ordinance allows a declaration to be made by the Supervisor/and or Road Commissioner to declare a Snow Emergency during snowfall.

The declaration is made after consulting with the Sangamon County Sheriff's office, the Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management, the Sangamon County Highway Department and other departments or agencies as necessary. Violations that hinder emergency operation may result in drivers being ticketed and/or vehicles being towed.

This policy was adopted to eliminate a multitude of problems and trouble for both residents, emergency vehicles and snow plow operators. Once a level has been declared, it will be announced in the media and via elert. The levels will serve as guidelines for the majority of the road and apply to the unincorporated areas only.

Level 1-Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Drive very cautiously and travel only if necessary.

Level 2-Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. This means that only people with a real and important need to be out on the roads and streets should do so.

Level 3-All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel.

Snow Emergency Levels

The Township does NOT accept any yard waste unless it is created by storm damage. It does accept tree branches but they must be brought to the Township. Resident may bring branches during normal business hours and visit the office for entry. Special arrangements are made during storm season. Call the office for details. Office hours are 8 am to 3 pm daily. Branches also may be brought during the dumpster program hours the first Saturday of each month from 8 am to Noon. Village of Riverton residents have the option for a drop off at the garage by the railroad tracks on 3rd Street.