CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot,along with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Department of Family and Support Services, Peoples Gas, other City departments and sister agencies today reminded residents about the City's available services during the winter months and provided residents with tips to stay safe during inclement weather and health emergencies during the winter season and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“As Chicagoans, we all know a thing or two about winters, however with the COVID-19 pandemic, this season poses unique challenges for everyone,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Regardless, our shared mission to keep our city running and all our neighborhoods safe remains the same, with our outreach and support services encompassing all our residents, particularly our most vulnerable, to make sure folks receive the resources they need and deserve throughout the winter months.” 

As they have done for the last 25 years, the OEMC coordinates the City of Chicago’s response efforts to emergencies and works closely with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions throughout the year. In October, the OEMC hosted a Winter Weather Workshop with public safety and infrastructure departments, sister agencies and other partners to plan the coordination of operations for the winter months ahead. 

“OEMC advises residents and businesses to consider how the cold and changing weather conditions will impact their planning and to take precautions to be prepared for the winter season,” said OEMC Executive Director Rich Guidice. “This year we have already experienced historic flooding, high lake levels, an EF-1 tornado and extreme heat. OEMC will continue to monitor weather conditions with the National Weather Service and coordinate response efforts with City departments and public partners to keep residents safe and informed.”  

Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether residents are at 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 www.NotifyChicago.org 
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices including flooding, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5 
• COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3 
• CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 

• Only leave home to go to work, school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care or going to the grocery store or pharmacy. 
• Always practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others. 
• Wear a face covering at all times. 
• Do not have gatherings in your home. 
• Avoid all non-essential, out-of-state travel. 

• The warming areas are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• On evenings, weekends or holidays, city-operated facilities including libraries and park facilities might also serve as warming areas, if needed. 
• Residents must wear a face covering while in the warming areas. 
• The Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie, is open on a 24-hour basis to connect families and residents to emergency shelter. 
• Those seeking a warm place to go after hours should call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services. Individuals requiring emergency overnight shelter should also call 3-1-1, visit 311.Chicago.gov or download the CHI311 app to ensure residents are aware of the City's designated warming areas. Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during a winter weather emergency. 
• A list of community service center locations is available at Chicago.gov/FSS. Information and multilingual fliers containing warming center information in English, Spanish and Polish also are posted on DFSS's website at Chicago.gov/FSS. 

• 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. 

•  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/respond/weatherextremes  
•  including 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 clothing; 
• Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors; 
• Stay dry, because moisture can damage the insulating 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;