Warming Stations Open As Temperatures Drop In Cook County

COOK COUNTY, IL —With temperatures plummeting throughout the region overnight, the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is reminding residents Thursday that warming centers are now open.

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.

EMRS urges residents 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.

For more information and a list of locations, visit https://cookcountyemergencymanagement.org/