Warming Centers Open In Will County As Wind Chills Drop

WILL COUNTY, IL — With dangerous temperatures expected across the region Thursday night, officials in Will County have announced several warming centers in case you find yourself without power or a warm place to go.

Here's a partial list (hours vary, so call ahead):

• Catholic Charities, Daybreak Center, 611 E. Cass St., Joliet - 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.; call 815-774-4660
• Bolingbrook Fire Station No. 5, 1900 Rodeo Dr. - 24/7 hours; call ahead at 630-226-8505
• Bolingbrook Fire Station No. 4, 1111 W. Boughton Road - 24/7 hours; call ahead at 630-226-8670
• New Lenox Police Department, 200 Veterans Parkway - by request only; call 815-468-6128
• New Lenox Police Department, 120 Veterans Parkway - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday; call 815-485-2605 x 101
• Plainfield Police Department, 14300 S. Coil Plus Drive - by request only; call 815-436-2341
• Romeoville Recreation Center, 900 West Romeo Road - open 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Romeoville Fire Station No. 3, 698 Birch Drive. - open after 9:30 p.m.
• MorningStar Mission, 350 E. Washington St., Joliet - open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; call 815-722-5780
• White Oak Library District - Romeoville Branch, 201 W. Normantown Road - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; call 815-552-4225
• Troy Township Community Center, 25448 W Seil Road - by request only; call 815-922-4401
• Shorewood Village Hall, 1 Towne Center Boulevard - 24/7; call 815-725-4696
• Shorewood Police Department, 903 W. Jefferson St. - 24/7; 815-725-4636

Find additional warming centers here.

Such low temperatures can cause rapid onset of frost bite and hypothermia. Signs of frostbite include redness, pain, waxy skin and numbness. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness in adults. Signs in infants include bright red skin, cold skin and lethargy.

Officials say to be a good neighbor by checking in on the elderly.

Also, be wary of freezing pipes in your home and consider opening the doors to any vanities or cabinets that have pipes on an outside wall, or keeping a trickle of water running to prevent pipes from freezing or busting.

Health officials also say to keep your vehicle full of gas in case you need to travel. Keep your cell phone charged, carry a charger and make sure a family member or trusted friend knows where you're going if you need to travel. You should also have a winter weather kit with:

• blankets or sleeping bags
• flashlight with extra batteries
• first aid kit
• water
• food
• extra clothing
• took kit
• shovel
• battery booster cables
• compass
• sand or cat litter for traction
• road maps

If you need to shovel snow, be aware the risk of heart attack goes up significantly. To avoid stressing your heart, or just hurting your back, follow these safety tips:

• Dress in layers
• Take frequent breaks
• Use a smaller shovel
• Avoid large meals before and after
• HYDRATE (water/juice...NOT ALCOHOL)
• Check on your family and neighbors while they shovel
• Shovel driveway aprons only after the roadway is completely cleared. This will eliminate the need to shovel them more than once.

In the event of an emergency, call 911.

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