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• DFSS’s ongoing coordination of outreach teams across Chicago is critical during extreme weather events to ensure that as many unhoused Chicagoans as possible are receiving outreach services. 

• DFSS Homeless Outreach & Prevention teams and delegate agencies increase outreach to unhoused residents to ensure their well-being and connect them to available shelters and warming centers. 

• Outreach teams distribute cold weather supplies to keep residents safe, such as coats, sleeping bags, gloves, hats, boots, hand warmers, etc. 

• Two delegate agencies provide weekend and overnight outreach to ensure the safety of individuals experiencing homelessness. 

• During extreme weather conditions, the outreach teams frequently check on the health and well being of unhoused residents. However, please call 9-1-1 if you notice an individual experiencing or shoring signs of medical distress. 

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management (OEMC) issues alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on weather conditions and emergencies via the following platforms: 

• Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at www.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 

Make sure you're ready to heat your home safely this winter. Have your furnace inspected by a qualified technician and follow these safety steps throughout the heating season: PeoplesGasDelivery.com/safety/cold-weather. 

Please call 866-556-6002 if you have a natural gas emergency.  

From December 1 to March 31, the annual winter moratorium will protect residential customers from natural gas disconnections. 

For financial assistance and extended payment arrangements, visit PeoplesGasDelivery.com/payment-bill/assistance or call 866-556-6001. 

The Chicago Fire Department does not recommend using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certified and at least three 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 a minimum of 15 amps. Never put cords under carpet. 

The CFD also reminds residents that they are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system. 

The Department of Water Management reminds residents to prevent frozen pipes by ensuring warm air is circulating throughout the home and to 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. 

The  National Weather Service in Chicago suggests keeping an eye on the forecast even 3-5 days out and consider how the expected conditions will impact you and how you can prepare.  As winter weather develops and situations are updated, it is even more important to know what actions are needed when advisories and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. 

• Winter Weather Advisory: Potentially dangerous winter weather is expected within the next 12-36 hours; Travel difficulties expected. 

• Winter Storm Warning: Dangerous winter weather is expected in the next 12-36 hours or is occurring; Travel problems are expected. 

• Blizzard Warning: Severe winter weather is expected in the next 12-36 hours or is occurring – including white out conditions. Do not travel. 

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 provide assistance to neighbors, family members, pets, and friends, particularly those who are elderly, have disabilities or live alone.  

Taking preventative action is the best way to stay safe from the severe health risks associated with winter weather. Residents are advised to limit their time outside, wear multiple layers of warm clothing, and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. 

CDPH reminds residents that it’s not too late to get a flu shot. The combination of flu and COVID-19 could overwhelm healthcare settings. Residents over 65 years of age are also encouraged to get a pneumonia shot. We all need to do our part to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. 

Residents can find flu shot locations at chicago.gov/flu.