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With the recent drop in temperatures, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) continues to make public safety our top priority. In order to stay safe in the winter, we now need to take measures to keep our houses and cars through the winter, and prepare our families when the cold, wind, ice and snow strike. November is the winter weather preparation month, and it is also a good time to prepare.
"OEMC reminds residents to prepare for the winter now," said Rich Guidice, executive director of OEMC. “OEMC will continue to monitor the situation and issue notices throughout the season to ensure that the public is aware of weather advisories and warnings. OEMC will coordinate New York City’s response in any emergency and extreme weather conditions that may arise. We are committed to working with departments across the city To help residents and disadvantaged groups enter the winter"
Keep informed OEMC will notify the public when certain thresholds set by the National Weather Service are reached. These triggers are as follows: • Winter weather warning: Dangerous winter weather is expected in the next 12-36 hours; travel is expected to be difficult. • Winter storm warning: expected to be in the next 12-36 hours or dangerous winter weather is occurring; travel problems are expected. • Snowstorm warning: Severe winter weather-including snowy weather, is expected or is occurring in the next 12-36 hours. Don't travel.
Prepare for the winter conditions of your family, house and vehicle immediately. Severe cold, strong winds and heavy snow can cause additional dangers, whether at home or on the road, so it is important to keep informed. OEMC will issue several alarms and notifications to keep people informed about weather conditions and emergency situations. • Notify Chicago: Register for emergency alerts at www.NotifyChicago.org • CHILAKE: For lakeside notifications, including floods, send "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5 • COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by sending "COVID19" "To 6-7-2-8-3 • CHIBIZ: Business update, text "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3
Smart911 This winter, it is very important to create a SMART911 profile to provide 9-1-1 with emergency information specific to you and your family, which can provide you with the help you need in an emergency. This is a free and secure service. The Smart911 platform also has a new feature that can help the Chicago Police Department to better serve the Chicago community. Residents with Smart911 security profiles and home surveillance cameras that can capture public roads can cooperate with the Chicago Police Department in the event of a nearby crime. By simply choosing to join an existing Smart911 profile or create a new profile, residents can voluntarily share home surveillance camera footage, allowing the Chicago Police Department to contact them in the event of a crime. To register, please visit Smart911.com.
Heating centers When the temperature is 32 degrees or below, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) will activate heating zones in six community service centers in New York City. • The heating area is open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm • In the evening, weekends or holidays, if necessary, city-operated facilities (including libraries and park facilities) can also be used as heating areas. • Residents must wear face masks in warm areas. • The Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie is open 24 hours a day and connects families and residents to emergency shelters. • Those who want to go to a warm place after get off work can also dial 3-1-1 to get available services. Individuals who need emergency overnight shelters should also call 3-1-1, visit 311.Chicago.gov, or download the CHI311 app to ensure residents are aware of New York City’s designated warming areas. Residents are also encouraged to check the situation of relatives, neighbors and friends in the event of an emergency in winter weather. • A list of community service center locations and information and multilingual leaflets containing information about warming centers in English, Spanish, and Polish are also posted on the DFSS website Chicago.gov/FSS.
Snow Command New York City’s winter night parking ban will take effect on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, to ensure that DSS staff can quickly spread salt and plow on the streets during winter storms. The ban affects approximately 107 miles of Chicago streets every day from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., and signs are permanently posted on affected routes. Residents are encouraged to check the posted street signs for parking restrictions. DSS manages more than 9,400 miles of lanes and has a fleet of more than 300 snowmobiles that can respond whenever needed. DSS also prepared 425,000 tons of salt, distributed in salt piles throughout the city.
The Department of Transportation (CDOT) encourages businesses and residents to clear snow from the sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses, and to treat the surface with salt. CDOT reminds companies and owners that they should not be pushed into marked bicycle lanes, crosswalks or bus stops when clearing snow from their property.
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) reminds business license holders that they are responsible for removing ice and snow from sidewalks in accordance with 4-4-310 of the Chicago City Code. Every business must remove ice and snow from sidewalks adjacent to the licensed site and any sidewalk ramps that intersect with such sidewalks to form a clear path that is at least 5 feet wide. According to the regulations, business owners who rent space near sidewalks are obliged to shovel snow. As part of the lease agreement, some commercial real estate landlords require tenants to be responsible for snow removal, while others do not. Renters who are unsure of their snow shoveling responsibilities should check their lease agreement or ask the landlord for clarification. Companies that fail to comply may face fines of up to $1,000 per day.
The Mayor’s Office of the Disabled (MOPD) reiterated that it is vital to clean sidewalks for people with reduced mobility and the elderly. In addition, find out where the nearest heating shelter is and check your neighbors, especially those with limited resources or who cannot easily leave the house.
Family and Family Safety As New York City prepares for the cold temperatures and winter weather, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reminds residents to take care of themselves and help neighbors, family members, pets and friends, especially those who are elderly and disabled And/or living alone. Taking precautions is the best way to avoid the serious health risks associated with winter weather. It is recommended that residents limit outdoor time, wear warm clothes when going out, and pay attention to signs of frostbite and hypothermia. CDPH also reminded residents that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine. We all need to do our part to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases and help protect the health resources that may be scarce in hospitals that are already caring for COVID-19 patients. Residents can find flu vaccination locations on Chicago.gov/flu.
The Chicago Fire Department does not recommend the use of space heaters; however, if they are used, make sure they are UL certified and are at least 3 feet away from any ignitable objects. The use of space heaters in children’s rooms should be closely monitored, as children sometimes move them closer or into the bed, leading to tragic results. If you use extension cords, they should have a current rating of at least 15 amps. Do not place the cord under the carpet. As the demand for furnaces and boilers increases, CFD also reminds residents that the decree requires residents to install carbon monoxide detectors to prevent carbon monoxide leakage from the heating system, which can be fatal over time. Encourage those seeking to enter the heating center and/or experiencing insufficient calories to contact 3-1-1 for immediate assistance. In addition, please make sure that the smoke detector is in normal working condition.
Peoples Gas recommends that if you smell gas or think that the gas pipe is damaged, leave the area immediately and call this number from a safe place: 866.556.6002 • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. It may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Check your boiler/furnace regularly and make sure all natural gas equipment is properly ventilated. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector available and test it regularly. Learn about the dangers and symptoms of carbon monoxide. Keep the area around the stove and water heater free of debris and flammable materials. • Use your hand or a broom to gently remove ice and snow from the surface of the natural gas to avoid damage to the equipment. Remove the top icicles to prevent dripping water from re-freezing on your gas meters and pipes. Keep the sidewalk leading to the meter unobstructed so that it can be accessed in an emergency. • Peoples Gas is here to help customers struggling to keep up with their bills. Visit peoplesgasdelivery.com or call us to discuss flexible payment plans and budget billing. Customers who qualify for income may also be eligible for financial assistance. To check if you are eligible and apply, please contact the Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) at 800-571-2332, or visit cedarorg.net.
The Department of Water Management reminds residents to prevent freezing of water pipes, to ensure that warm air circulates throughout the home and maintain a trickle. If the pipe is frozen, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw. Use a hair dryer or heating pad. For more information, please visit www.chicago.gov/water
The Chicago Animal Care and Control Center reminds residents that winter is a season of severe cold and humidity. Follow these simple guidelines to help your pet stay happy and healthy during the colder months: • Don't leave your dog outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs and all cats are safer indoors unless they go out for exercise. No matter what season, short-haired dogs, puppies or old dogs, and all cats should not go out unattended. Short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater or coat when walking. • Regardless of the temperature, wind chill can threaten the life of pets. Dogs or cats are happiest and healthiest when they stay indoors. • Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate pet's foot pads. Before your pet licks its feet and irritates his/her mouth, wipe the feet with a wet towel. • Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but its sweetness may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Even better, use an antifreeze coolant made of propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not harm pets, wild animals or your family. • Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wild animals, which may crawl under the hood. To avoid harming any hidden animals, knock on the car hood to scare them away before starting the engine. • It is strongly recommended to keep companion animals at home. However, if your dog must be an outdoor dog, it must be protected by a dry, windproof kennel that is large enough for the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold his/her body temperature . Check your pet's drinking tray regularly to make sure the water is fresh and not frozen. Use plastic food bowls and water bowls instead of metal bowls; when the temperature is low, the pet’s tongue will stick to the metal and freeze.
Cold weather tips • Motorists should take extra precautions to keep the vehicle through the winter and bring necessary supplies with them. Remember that disabled vehicles or distracted driving may cause accidents, affect traffic and other people, or require emergency services. • Residents should be aware of the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. For winter preparation information, please visit Chicago.gov/OEMC for detailed information and links to other local, state, and federal resources. • Avoid unnecessary outings-if you must go out, limit your time outdoors. • Wear several layers of loose, warm cloth. • Keep your head, hands, and feet covered when outdoors. • Keep it dry, as moisture will destroy the insulation of the clothes. • Pay special attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high-energy food, drink hot beverages to help keep your body warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.
Report suspicious activity: If you see something, please say something. The city reminds the public to pay attention to the surrounding environment and report suspicious activities. If you find a suspicious situation, please notify the on-site security or call 9-1-1. If you see something, please say something™ is a national public awareness campaign against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.
For more information on emergency preparedness information, please visit the OEMC website Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).