Hope everyone is bundled up and ready for a chilly remainder of this week and into next week!

The snow is falling and the crew is ready to do what is necessary to keep us safe and ice free as necessary… wanted to check in to make sure you all were prepared, and Ald. Hopkins just put out a nice note regarding helpful tips for the cold; take a minute to check it out:

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Dangerously Cold Weather Coming This Weekend

Dear Neighbor,

The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting extremely cold temperatures beginning tomorrow, February 5 and lasting through the next week. I urge you to take the necessary steps to stay warm and safe by utilizing the below cold weather tips:

Tips For Keeping Yourself Safe

• Avoid unnecessary trips outside. If you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.
• Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing. 
• Keep your head, hands, and feet covered when outdoors. 
• Stay dry – moisture can damage the insulating effectiveness of clothing.
• Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. Click here for winter preparation information, which includes links to other local, state, and federal resources. 
• Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go.
• 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.

Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe

• Make sure that warm air is circulating throughout your home, and keep a trickle of water running in order to prevent frozen pipes. Click here for more information.
• The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) does not recommend using space heaters. However, if you do use a space heater, be sure it is UL certified and at least 3 feet from anything that can ignite. Do not put the cord under a rug or carpet.
• If you live in a rental unit, between September 15 and June 1, your landlord is required to keep the temperature inside your unit at least 68 degrees from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm, and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 pm to 8:30 pm. If your landlord refuses to meet this threshold, call 3-1-1 to file a complaint.

Warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers for those who need a safe place to stay warm during cold weather. Use the flyer below to find the nearest warming area, or call 3-1-1.

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Stay Warm!