As the number of electric vehicles on Illinois roads grows, so does the danger of injury for emergency medical technicians and firefighters responding to EV accidents.

The auto industry is beginning to offer training for first responders - particularly those in rural areas - to deal with the high voltage and other dangers found in EVs. Beginning next week in suburban Chicago, General Motors and the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute will kick off a national tour, offering two days of information and training.

For the uninitiated, said Joe McLaine, a staff engineer at GM, cutting into an electric vehicle can be very dangerous.

"Most electrified vehicles around the world have high-voltage components," he said. "High-voltage components could be potentially dangerous if you were to handle things. We, as an industry, have moved toward identifying those potentially hazardous high-voltage components with the color orange."

McLaine said the training, offered at no cost, covers details about battery and EV technology, dispels misconceptions and shares best practices. Next week's sessions are Wednesday and Thursday in Wheeling.

For information or to register, look online at GMEVfirstrepsondertraining.com.

While the training is open to all first responders, McLaine said it's particularly important for rural EMTs and firefighters, many of whom are volunteers and may not have the same training as professionals.

"Most of the fire services in the United States, the vast majority are from volunteer fire departments," he said. "Where we've gone around the country, and where we've targeted certain areas that we deliver this training, we have seen a tremendous outpouring of support and appreciation for delivering this training."

McLaine said the sessions will teach first responders about how to approach high-voltage disconnect and stabilization, venting, flames, arc flash and unswitched energy - as well as the differences between internal combustion engines and EVs.

"What we have done with the in-person, hands-on training is absolutely not lecture-based," he said. "We have people interact with the product, get 'up close and personal' with many of the battery components, the high-voltage motors and the other components, as well as a whole host of vehicles."


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The application process is underway for a new grant program in Arkansas. The Community Assistance Grant Program is designed to help fill funding gaps for various organizations across the state.

Jennifer Emerson, deputy director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said it hopes to help groups reach more people.

"To create economic opportunity, attract higher-paying jobs and generating positive growth throughout Arkansas," said Emerson. "And it is able to provide grant funds to nonprofit organizations, to cities, counties for various different types of eligible community and economic development projects."

Grantees will be required to match awards with cash, in-kind labor, or in-kind land. Applications are available at arkansasEDC.com and will be accepted through July 31.

Nonprofits can use the funding to fight childhood food insecurity, address unemployment, help with housing, and support crime victims.

Emerson said having additional ways to match the funding makes more groups eligible and can bring communities together.

"The matching point is one of those ways where you can really show community involvement," said Emerson. "Where you've got donated labor - helping hands. I might not be able to give you money, but I can come spend five hours with you on a Saturday to help paint a building or pass out meals."

Officials say the grants are part of a statewide effort to improve quality of life in the Natural State. Applicants can receive up to $1.5 million.





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Large wildfires have ravaged parts of northeastern Minnesota and relief organizations are out in full force to assist displaced residents.

They said monetary donations help, while hoping others are inspired to volunteer in the future. As of midweek, state and local leaders said the fires have destroyed roughly 150 structures and a number of homes are under evacuation orders.

Dave Schoeneck, a public affairs volunteer for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region of the American Red Cross, said because there are a lot of cabins in the region, it's hard to say yet how many people are without a place to live long-term. In the meantime, the Red Cross is set up at evacuation centers, where those affected can get short-term help.

"We are assisting folks coming in there who need a shelter or a place to refresh themselves, to get food and hydration and replacing lost medications," Schoeneck explained.

He noted monetary donations ensure the Red Cross is well-stocked with supplies and people should avoid donating such items as water and clothing because of the potential for logistical problems.

For future disasters, Schoeneck pointed out response crews always welcome additional volunteers. There is training for emergency shelter management, information gathering and other roles.

Katy Lofquist, creative director for the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, echoed the call for donating money, if someone wants to help right away. Her organization is gearing up for assisting residents with recovery needs once the fire threat fades. Even if they have temporary shelter, there is an overwhelming sense of need.

"Especially in the case of a fire, people are so shaken, they don't know where to go or what to do next," Lofquist observed.

The fires come after widespread flooding affected the region last year. For the wildfires, United Way chapters in the northeast part of the state are setting up special recovery funds for donations. Lofquist stressed victims traditionally have to apply for the aid, and 100% of funds raised go directly to those who need it.


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Montana's wildfire risk is 74% higher than other states, so experts are encouraging Montanans to think ahead Saturday on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.

When wildfires ignite homes, an ember or small flame is usually to blame, according to the National Fire Protection Association. That means prep work in the "immediate zone" - or the five feet surrounding a home - is effective.

Anne Cope, chief engineer for the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, said that zone is critical because that's where wind eddies deposit embers and where flammable materials including mulch, bushes and stacked firewood tend to be.

"When you bring those two things together, boom, that's where that teeny little fire is gonna start, that you could have just stomped out with your boot," she said. "That is sadly what's going to take down a house."

Cleaning roofs and gutters, installing metal mesh screening over open vents, repairing damaged shingles and window screens and removing items stored under porches are simple ways to prepare for wildfire season.

A home's "intermediate zone" ranges five to 30 feet out and its "extended zone" could reach as far as 200 feet. In these areas, experts suggest paying attention to decks and patios, walkways, the height of mowed grass, dead foliage, as well as the density of shrubs and plants and the distances between them.

Cope said it's effective for neighbors to tackle these together.

"It is amazing how much that can do," she said, "how much it reduces the likelihood of your home igniting and then taking down all your friends on the cul-de-sac."

Nearly a half-million homes in Montana are directly exposed to wildfire risk, meaning they could ignite by adjacent vegetation, flying embers or nearby structures.


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