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