Minus 30 Wind Chills Possible: Stay Safe While Staying Warm In IL

ILLINOIS — A snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow on some areas of Illinois last weekend, and the area got hit again Thursday night. Along with more snow — up to 5 inches on Thursday/Friday, plus more expected this weekend — dangerously cold temperatures will make their way into the Chicago area.

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By Saturday night, wind chill values could hit minus 30 degrees. With the extreme cold comes health hazards and the risk of hypothermia. Our ways of staying warm — including space heaters — can also bring additional safety threats.

Staying warm in the extreme cold

When the arctic blast weather arrives, the National Weather Service advises residents:

• Prepare buildings and vehicles for the cold.
• Limit time outdoors.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family.
• Monitor updates on accumulating snow potential.

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The Will County Emergency Management Agency offers tips for staying safe in extreme temperatures, especially if you must go outside.

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves.
• Wear water-repellent clothing.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Make sure small children, infants, and the elderly stay warm. They are more vulnerable to the cold.
• Take advantage of warming centers, public park facilities, and heated stores and malls.
• Where possible, try to keep one room in your home heated to 68-70 degrees.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high energy foods and drink warm beverages.
• Beware of overexertion; shoveling snow or pushing disabled cars can be very strenuous and should only be done by those in good health.

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Extreme cold can also turn deadly quickly, and hypothermia was a factor in the deaths of at least 22 people so far this season in Illinois.

If your power goes out or you're without heat, check with your county to find a warming center near you. Many warming centers require residents to call ahead before arriving, so make sure to check with warming centers before leaving home.

Lists of available warming centers:

• Cook County
• DuPage County
• Kane County
• Kendall County
• Lake County
• McHenry County
• Will County

Safe heating tips

While it may be tempting to use a space heater or other heat source to keep warm — and to keep your utility bills down — only do so with extreme caution. The Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office notes that while space heaters do provide additional warmth, "According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2011 and 2015 space heaters accounted for around 43 percent of U.S. home heating fires and 85 percent of associated deaths."

December, January and February are the peak months for house fires, according to the fire marshal.

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Space heaters and electric heaters should be kept away from anything that might catch fire. The state fire marshal advises:

• Create a 3-foot “Kid-Free Zone” or “Pet-Free Zone” around portable or space heaters.
• Place heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn off the heater when going to bed or leaving your home.
• Always plug a space heater or portable heater directly into an outlet. NEVER use an extension cord or surge protector.
• Purchase a unit with a built-in shutoff in case the unit tips over or you forget to shut it off.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working.
• Purchase a heater that has been tested and certified by an independent testing laboratory.

The fire marshal urges residents to make sure their smoke detectors are working properly. Most house fires during the peak winter months are between 4 and 8 p.m., but fires between midnight and 8 a.m. account for most fire-related deaths.

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The state fire marshal also recommends residents install a smoke alarm on every floor of their home and outside all sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries twice a year.

Other advice from the EMA:

• Carbon monoxide can kill. Be careful using fireplaces; make sure flues are clear and properly ventilated.
• Gas ovens, burners, and charcoal should never be used to heat your home.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.

Shoveling safety

Shoveling — especially when snow is wet and heavy — can bring the risk of slips and falls, sprained backs, hypothermia, dehydration and heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, before you pick up that shovel, you should:

• Avoid eating a heavy meal.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Use a small shovel, as lifting heavy snow can increase blood pressure.
• Learn the dangers of hypothermia and dress in layers.
• Know the signs of a heart attack: chest discomfort, pain in the arm, neck or jaw, cold sweat, nausea and shortness of breath. Stop immediately and seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.

Also important, if your car becomes snow-covered, before you start digging it out, make sure the tailpipe is clear. Remove snow from car exhaust pipe(s) before sitting in the car and letting it warm up. Failure to remove snow can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure there is ample room for air to circulate behind your car to allow any exhaust to dissipate and not build up around your car.

Travel safely in extreme cold

• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
• Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
• Maintain a storm kit in your car with items such as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; high-calorie, nonperishable food; and matches or a lighter.
• Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car's ability, don't travel.
• Tell someone about your travel plans.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.