As a deep freeze grips Chicago and surrounding suburbs this weekend, Cook County officials are opening warming centers to help residents stay safe amid extreme cold. Wind chills are expected to make it feel as cold as minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service.
The county’s warming centers will open at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, and remain available around the clock until 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. Locations include the Skokie Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Rd.; Maywood Courthouse, 1500 Maybrook Dr.; and Markham Courthouse, 16501 S. Kedzie Ave. The centers will provide water, snacks, restrooms, and limited accommodations for pets in cages or carriers.
Local municipalities are also operating warming centers:
Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Louis S. Viverito Senior Center, 7745 S. Leamington Ave., Burbank, open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Orland Township, 14807 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Residents who do not have adequate heat at home are urged to seek shelter. Municipalities throughout Cook County also operate warming centers. A complete list of warming centers can be found here. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for more information about locations and services.
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security reminds people to take precautions during the extreme cold. Officials advise against using ovens for heat, bringing charcoal or gas grills indoors, and leaving portable heaters unattended. They recommend keeping pipes from freezing by running faucets slightly and staying active to generate body heat.