Record cold temperatures continued on Thursday, closing schools, colleges, museums and businesses throughout Chicago for a second day with 1 to 3 inches of snow expected later in the day.
City officials remind residents that they should call 3-1-1 to:
- locate one of the city’s six warming centers
- request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from extreme weather
- report inadequate heat in a residential building; landlords must heat residential buildings to at least 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees overnight
- learn about programs that assist with home heating costs
- connect to shelter and supportive services
If you need to go outside in the bitter cold, make sure to:
- wear several layers of loose, warm clothing
- keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors
- avoid alcoholic beverages
- recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: stiff muscles, shivering, puffy or swollen face, cold skin, slow breathing and mental confusion
