The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued an Extreme Cold Watch in Effect Until Noon on Friday, January 23*, with Possible Wind Chills as low as -30° to -35° Below Zero

The City of Chicago Encourages Residents to Be Prepared, Stay Indoors, and Utilize City Services and Resources

Chicago Winter Weather Resources for Social Posts, Newsletters and More

CHICAGO: The National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago has issued an Extreme Cold Watch in effect until noon on Friday, January 23. OEMC will work closely with the NWS Chicago to monitor weather conditions 24/7 and will alert the public if conditions worsen. It’s important for residents to be prepared, take safety precautions and utilize city services and resources.

WHAT: Dangerously cold wind chills as low as -30° to -35° below possible.

WHERE: Portions of central, north central, and northeast Illinois

WHEN: From late Thursday, January 22 night through Friday, January 23 at noon CST.

IMPACTS: The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

WHAT TO DO:  Stay indoors, if must go outside dress in several layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves. Check on older family, friends, and neighbors, residents can contact 3-1-1 for a well-being check. Keep pets indoors.

Residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App for safety and preparedness tips, weather information and alerts, DSS Snowplow Tracker and. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar and public safety information as well. Download the app through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit,  Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether home or traveling, so it’s important to stay informed. OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

• Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyChicago.org
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices including flooding, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

Warming Centers available on Wednesday, January 21 – Friday, January 23

• DFSS Community Service Centers (9am-5pm)
  • Englewood Community Service Center - 1140 West 79th Street
  • Garfield Community Service Center - 10 South Kedzie Avenue
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center - 4314 South Cottage Grove
  • North Area Community Service Center - 845 West Wilson Avenue
  • South Chicago Community Service Center - 8650 South Commercial Avenue
  • Trina Davila Community Service Center - 4312 West North Avenue
• DFSS Senior Centers: All 21 Senior Centers are open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with the exception of the Renaissance Court Senior Center, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For locations, visit chicago.gov/seniorcenters or contact 3-1-1.
• Chicago Public Library locations, open during operating hours.
• Chicago Park District locations, open during operating hours.
• City Colleges of Chicago, open during operating hours.
• Chicago Police Districts, 24 hours.

Warming Centers available on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25

• Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day.
• Chicago Public Library locations, open during operating hours.
• Chicago Park District locations, open during operating hours.
• Chicago Police Districts, 24 hours.

For hours and locations contact, 3-1-1 by downloading the CHI311 app, go online at 311.chicago.gov or dial 3-1-1. Residents may also visit Warming Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal.

Cold-Weather Tips

• Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and others or requiring emergency services.
• Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. For Winter preparation information visit,Chicago.gov/OEMC for details and links to other local, state, and federal resources.
• Avoid unnecessary trips outside. If you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.
• Wear several layers of loose, warm cloth.
• Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors.
• Stay dry because moisture can damage the insulation effectiveness of clothing.
• Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

For additional Winter preparedness tips, visit  weather.gov/safety/winter-ww.

City of Chicago Warming Centers

The City coordinates a network of 284 public facilities available for warming. This includes 7 City Colleges, 6 DFSS Community Service Centers, 21 DFSS Senior Centers, 80 Libraries, 148 Parks and 22 Police Districts. To check locations and hours of operation, contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location by downloading the CHI311 app, online at 311.chicago.gov or dial 3-1-1. Residents may also visit  Warming Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal.

Warming center hours may be extended, along with other supports when the Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) enacts the City’s Emergency Operations Plan for extreme cold conditions as defined by the National Weather Service. Please visit the OEMC website for up-to-date information during extreme weather events.

Chicago Department of Family and Support Services

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) activates warming areas at the six Community Service Centers (CSCs) and 21 Senior Centers when temperatures are 32˚F or below. The CSC and Senior Center locations along with multilingual fliers containing warming center information can be found on DFSS's website at  chicago.gov/fss

• The DFSS CSCs are open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the DFSS Senior Centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the exception of the Renaissance Court Senior Center, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Under extreme cold conditions as defined by the NWS warming center hours of operation at the Garfield Center located at 10 S. Kedzie may be extended.
• Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s 21 Senior Centers. DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Residents may also contact 3-1-1 to request a senior well-being check.
• DFSS’s Homeless Outreach and Prevention (HOP) team and street outreach partners work proactively with unhoused individuals to connect with warming options, shelter and well-being checks.
• Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during a winter weather emergency.
• Residents should contact 3-1-1 to request shelter, if you are in need of a warming center, to request a well-being check for a senior in your community, to report inadequate heat in a residential building, and to request a well-being check for an unhoused neighbor.

Chicago Department of Public Health

As the City braces for cold temperatures and winter weather, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)  would like to caution residents to take care of themselves and to aid neighbors, family members, pets, and friends, particularly those who are elderly, have disabilities and/or live alone. Taking preventative action is the best way to stay safe from the serious health risks associated with winter weather. Residents are advised to limit their time outside, wear layers of warm dry clothing when going outside, and watch for  signs of frostbite and hypothermia . Cold weather can put extra strain on the heart – be careful with outdoor physical activities in the winter like shoveling snow, especially if you have high blood pressure or heart disease. CDPH is also reminding residents to get their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines to keep themselves healthy through the holiday season. We all need to do our part to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Residents can receive no-cost flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines at  CDPH Immunization Clinics and Events.

Chicago Fire Department

The Chicago Fire Department  does not recommend using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are UL certified and at least 3 feet from anything that can ignite. Use of a space heater in children’s rooms should be monitored closely as children sometimes move them close to or into the bed with tragic results. If extension cords are used, they should be rated at 15 amps minimum and never put cords under carpet. With the added demand for furnaces and boilers, CFD also reminds residents are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system that could be fatal over time. Those seeking access to warming centers and/or experiencing insufficient heat are encouraged to contact 3-1-1 for immediate assistance. Also, be sure to keep smoke detectors in working order.

Chicago Department of Water Management

The Department of Water Management reminds residents to prevent frozen pipes, make sure that warm air is circulating throughout the home and keep a trickle of water running. If pipes freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer or heating pad. For more info visit  www.chicago.gov/water

Chicago Animal Care and Control

Chicago Animal Care and Control  reminds residents that winter brings bitter cold and numbing wetness, so let’s help our pets stay safe and warm. Indoor cats are always safer indoors, and dogs should only be outside for exercise when temperatures drop. Short-haired dogs, puppies, seniors, and indoor cats should never be left outside without supervision, regardless of the season. Short-coated dogs may also be more comfortable wearing a sweater or coat on winter walks.

ComEd

Public safety is paramount, and ComEd encourages customers to take the following precautions:

• If a downed power line is spotted, immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661). Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).
• Never approach a downed power line. Always assume a power line is extremely dangerous and energized.
• In the event of an outage, do not approach ComEd crews working to restore power to ask about restoration times. Crews may be working on live electrical equipment, and the perimeter of the work zone may be hazardous.

Peoples Gas

Peoples Gas advises that if you smell gas or think a gas line is damaged, leave the area immediately and call this number from a safe location: 866.556.6002.

• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. It could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Have your boiler/furnace inspected regularly and make sure all natural gas appliances have proper ventilation. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors and test them regularly. Understand the dangers and symptoms of carbon monoxide. Keep the area around your furnace and water heater free of clutter and flammable items.
• Gently remove snow and ice from outside natural gas meters by hand or with a broom to avoid damage to the equipment. Remove overhead icicles to prevent dripping water from refreezing on your natural gas meters and pipes. Keep your walkway leading to the meter clear for accessibility in an emergency.
• Peoples Gas is here to help customers struggling to keep up with bills. Go to peoplesgasdelivery.com , use our app, or call us to discuss flexible payment plans and budget billing. Income-eligible customers may also qualify for financial assistance. To see if you are eligible and apply, go to  cedaorg.net or call the Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) at 800-571-2332.

Suspicious Activity: If you See Something Say Something. OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).