Will County Warming Center List, Extreme Cold Safety Tips

WILL COUNTY, IL — With dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills ranging from 15 below zero to 25 degrees below zero in the forecast, it's not safe to be without heat. In Romeoville, a warming center is available at the Recreation Center, 900 West Romeo Road, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. After 9:30 p.m., the warming center will be at Fire Station No. 3 at 698 Birch Drive.

If a warming center is needed after 9:30 p.m., the village asks residents to contact the Police Department at 815-886-7219 before heading to the warming center.

"We appreciate your assistance in getting the word out and if you have elderly or disabled neighbors please check on them," the village said in a community alert.

The Will County Emergency Management Agency also offers a list of warming centers countywide, although residents are urged to call ahead before heading to a center. Some locations are available by request only.

A wind chill advisory is in effect from midnight tonight through 11 a.m. Wednesday.

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If you do head out, make sure you are dressed for the cold. "The cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin," according to the National Weather Service. "Expect wind chills to range from 15 below zero to 25 below zero." Hypothermia can also set in, so anyone who has to travel is urged to wear a hat and gloves.

Will County EMA also offers tips for staying safe in extreme cold.

Extreme Cold Safety Tips

• 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 individuals in good health.
• Safe heating tips
• Electric heaters can be hazardous and should be used with caution to prevent shock, fire, and burns. Follow the usage instructions carefully and keep clothing and blankets away from heating elements.
• 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.

Safe Use of the Car in Cold Weather

• 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, non-perishable 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.

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