Prepare now — the Chicagoland area will experience extreme cold this weekend.

• Consider winterizing your home or unit:
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed
  • Insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing
  • Clear rain gutters, if needed
• Check and clean heating units to confirm they are in working order
• Install and/or test fire and carbon monoxide detectors
• Do not use a space heater within 3 feet of anything that can catch on fire or left unattended with a child
• If going outside, wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing including:
  • a hat
  • a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
  • sleeves that are snug at the wrist
  • mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
  • water-resistant coat and shoes
  • several layers of loose-fitting clothing
• Stay dry since wet clothing loses all of its insulation
• Walk carefully on icy, snowy sidewalks
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow
• Watch for signs of frostbite which include white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels firm or waxy and numbness
• Watch for signs of hypothermia which include uncontrollable shivering and memory loss