Monthly Matters
Just like the Boy Scouts…Always Be Prepared!
Posted on January 26, 2026 6:00 AM by Admin
About a year ago, an edition of Monthly Matters covered the ability for folks here in Arbor Grove to log in to our website and update their Directory contact information to include Emergency Contact Information. 
 
Since then, some people have taken advantage of that.  Thank the Lord, we have not had to utilize any of that information! This month, we want to re-encourage everyone to please complete their Emergency Contact Information.  If you don’t believe us on how important it can be, take a look at some of the bullet points the Illinois State Police wrote to explain why they believe it is important.  They even have a site where you can register with the ISP! 
 
Before we get to the ISP, let’s remind you of the two main reasons we have this information maintained on our website (Remember: Your information is not viewable by anyone but yourself and a member of the Board!). 
 
1.   Some Grovers Live Alone: If something happens, we want to be able to contact whoever you have chosen to help you navigate your emergency. 
 
2.   Some Grovers are Snowbirds: Leaving for 4-6 months is a great reason to have an emergency contact.  Even though your fellow neighbors keep a watchful eye on your property if asked, they’re not always home either. A smoke alarm going off in your unit while you are sunning on a beach or poolside isn’t going to keep your home as safe as it can be (again, a great reason for Knox Box!). 
 
Now, back to the Illinois State Police.  They have posted more reasons than those already mentioned, which is why the Board encourages everyone to have a Knox Box! (If you don’t know what a Knox Box is, please contact the non-emergency phone number of the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District, 815/935-9670, for numerous reasons to have one.) 
 
According to Illinois State Policy, maintaining emergency contact information can aid you in the following ways: 
 
·   If you have a medical emergency and can’t speak, these contacts provide a way for us to contact someone who knows you and potentially share crucial details like medical conditions, special needs, to ensure better care. 
·   Ensure your family is informed quickly, reducing anxiety and allowing them to provide support. 
 
Generally, you may have other questions…… 
 
Who should my Emergency Contact be? 
 
Family, friends, neighbors, roommates, and coworkers are excellent choices for emergency contacts. It is so important to consider who would be most useful in a real emergency. Personally, for this co-author, I have multiple contacts and a request to TEXT them and not call. Many, like me, won’t pick up a phone call from an unknown caller, but will read a text.
 
Ideally, your emergency contact should know your essential health information and where to find your legal documents. This information includes your medical history, current medical conditions, medications, and previous surgeries or hospitalizations. 
 
How do I enter my information? 
Just click on this link to access your Profile. You will need to log on using your username and password. Your current profile has blank fields for Emergency Contact name and phone number. Remember the format for phone numbers is ten digits and must include the dashes (000-000-0000).
 
You will see a box in which you can provide additional information, including a second emergency contact if you’d like. Please remember to include their phone number. You can also enter your information by logging on to the website, selecting “Your Profile” in the upper right-hand corner, and then selecting “Update Profile.” 
 
REMEMBER TO HIT SAVE at the bottom of the page. 
 
How can I change the information once I’ve entered it? 
You can change your EC information anytime by going to your Profile at the top right of the website and selecting Update Profile from the list of options. 
 
Are you having any difficulties? Please don’t hesitate to contact Rosemary Wieliczko at rwieliczko@aol.com for help or to ask questions.
 
Please take the time to complete (or update) this vital information. A couple of minutes can make a huge difference in surviving an emergency.
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