Cook County Warming Centers Open During Extreme Cold

Cook County is under a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m. today. Wind gusts up to 50 mph will cause sub-zero temperatures. Additionally, an arctic cold front will move across the region Wednesday night through Friday with wind chills hovering at or below zero.

Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) reminds residents to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families during extremely cold weather.

Municipalities and townships across Cook County operate warming centers for residents. Residents who do not have adequate heating in their homes are encouraged to visit a warming center to ensure they remain safe.

View the complete list of warming centers throughout Cook County.

EMRS urges you to keep the following tips in mind through the cold winter months:

• Never use your oven for heat.
• Never bring charcoal or gas grills indoors (they are a carbon monoxide hazard).
• Make sure all portable heaters are unplugged when not in use.
• Use electric space heaters with extreme caution – avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials and turn them off before going to bed.
• Keep heat at adequate levels or leave faucets open with a slight drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep moving. Your body generates its own heat when you engage in physical activities.