Chicago City Wire

CHICAGO: The City of Chicago is urging residents to prepare for the upcoming cold temperatures expected over the next two days. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will collaborate with the National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor weather conditions around the clock and notify the public about any changes in temperature severity.

The city emphasizes the importance of preparation and safety precautions, reminding residents to ensure their families, homes, and vehicles are ready for winter conditions. OEMC provides alerts and notifications to keep people informed about weather conditions and emergencies.

Chicago has organized a network of over 190 public facilities available as warming centers. These include locations within the Chicago Public Library, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department, and City Colleges of Chicago during business or designated hours. Additionally, the Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas at six community service centers when temperatures drop to 32˚F or below.

For December 5 and 6, all community service centers will be open from 9 am to 5 pm as warming centers. Similarly, most Chicago Public Library locations and Chicago Park District sites will operate during these hours. Residents can locate the nearest warming center by contacting 3-1-1 via phone or online at 311.chicago.gov.

Warming center hours may be extended if OEMC enacts the City's Emergency Operations Plan due to extreme cold conditions as defined by NWS. Updated information during extreme weather events can be found on the OEMC website.

Residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App for winter safety tips and preparedness information. This tool offers emergency alerts, weather updates, a snowplow tracker, current forecasts, radar data, and public safety information. The app is available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

OEMC also reminds citizens to report any suspicious activity they observe by notifying onsite security or calling 9-1-1. "If You See Something, Say Something" is part of a national anti-terrorism campaign promoting awareness about reporting suspicious activities.

For more details on emergency preparedness, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC or follow them on social media platforms including Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).