01/19/2025 | Press release | Archived content
Winter Weather Toolkit for Alders, Community Groups and Media
CHICAGO: Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago encourages residents to be prepared for drop in temperatures and dangerous wind chills through Friday, January 24 with temperatures dipping into the teens and with single digit and below zero windchills between -5˚ to -30˚.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago has issued an Cold Weathre Adviory in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday, January 19 until noon on Monday, January 20. Residents can expect windchills as low as -20˚ to -25˚ below zero. Dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Additionally, warming centers will be available across Chicago beginning through Friday January 24.
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will work closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor weather conditions 24/7 and alert the public to any changes.
Warming Centers
The City coordinates a network of 209 public facilities available for warming. This includes participating Chicago Public Library (78 locations), Chicago Park District (75 locations), Chicago Police Department (22 locations) and Senior Service Centers (21 locations) during business or designated hours. To find the closest available warming center and hours residents can contact 3-1-1 via phone or online at 311.chicago.gov, download the Chicago OEMC or visit the data portal link.- City of Chicago Warming Centers
Warming Center Locations Open Saturday, January 18-Monday, January 20.
Warming Center Locations Open Tuesday, January 21- Friday, January 24
All Community Service Centers (9am-5pm)
Senior Centers (21 locations) 8:30am-4:30pm - visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for locations
Chicago Public Library (78 locations), visit chipublib.org for hours and locations
Chicago Park District (75 locations) will be open during hours of operation
Renaissance Court, Chicago Cultural Center 72 E. Randolph, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Chicago Police Districts (22 locations)
Department of Family & Support Services
The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas at the City's six community service centers when temps are 32˚F or below.
Lincoln Park Community Services (serving all populations)
1521 N. Sedgwick
Monday, January 20, 11 am - 4 pm
Tuesday, January 21, 11 am - 4 pm
Broadway Youth Center (serving youth)
1023 W. Irving Park Rd.
Tuesday, January 21, 9 am - 7 pm
Warming center hours may be extended, along with other supports when the Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) enacts the City's Emergency Operations Plan for extreme cold conditions as defined by the National Weather Service. Please visit the OEMC website for up-to-date information during extreme weather events and download the OEMC app.
Cold-Weather Tips:
Chicago Public Schools
Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21 are non-attendance days previously scheduled for CPS students. CPS will post information on their social media channels and for any changes or updates, parents can also check the website at cps.edu.
Weather Preparedness and Weather Forecasts
For Winter safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, DSS Snowplow Tracker and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar and public safety information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website,Chicago.gov/OEMC.
Department of Water Management
The Department of Water Management reminds residents to prevent frozen pipes, make sure that warm air is circulating throughout the home and keep a trickle of water running. If pipes freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer or heating pad. For more info visit www.chicago.gov/water
It's important to be prepared and take safety precautions. Residents are reminded to make your family, home and vehicles are prepared for winter conditions. Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether 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.
Suspicious Activity: If you See Something Say Something. OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.
For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).
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