Chicago City Wire

The City of Chicago has issued a Cold Weather Advisory effective until noon on Tuesday, February 18. Officials are urging residents to prepare for very cold temperatures through Friday, February 21, with temperatures expected to drop into the single digits and teens. There is also a possibility of snow midweek.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will collaborate with the National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor weather conditions around the clock and keep the public informed about any changes in severity or dangerous conditions due to the cold.

To help residents stay warm, the city coordinates over 200 public facilities as warming centers. These include Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District sites, Chicago Police Department stations, and City Colleges of Chicago facilities during business or designated hours.

From Tuesday, February 18 through Friday, February 21, community service centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., senior centers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and various other locations such as parks and libraries have their own schedules available online. Residents can find their nearest warming center by contacting 3-1-1 via phone or online.

Warming center hours may be extended if OEMC enacts the City's Emergency Operations Plan for extreme cold conditions defined by NWS. The OEMC app provides up-to-date information during extreme weather events.

The Department of Family & Support Services opens warming areas at community service centers when temperatures fall below freezing. Additional resources for unhoused individuals are available.

The Chicago Fire Department advises against using space heaters but offers safety tips if they are used. Carbon monoxide detectors are required by ordinance due to increased use of heating systems during cold weather.

Residents should prevent frozen pipes by circulating warm air throughout their homes and keeping water trickling in faucets. In case pipes freeze, they should not be thawed with open flames; instead, use a hair dryer or heating pad.

For comprehensive winter safety information and forecasts, residents can download the OEMC app which offers emergency alerts and weather information among other features.

Officials emphasize preparation for severe winter conditions at home or while traveling due to potential hazards like severe cold temperatures, strong winds, and snow. Alerts and notifications will be issued by OEMC as needed.

The public is reminded to report any suspicious activity under the national anti-terrorism campaign "If You See Something Say Something." More information on emergency preparedness can be found on the OEMC website or social media platforms like Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).