Written By Amber Marie Green
This warning is currently in effect until Saturday December 23, 2022 6am. With an expected amount of 3 to 6 inches of snow and a wind gusts of up to 50 miles-per-hour possibility, Chicagoans are warned to take cautionary measures to endure such a warning.
In Chicago, Department of Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Cole Stallard said informed ABC7 Chicago they had 287 snow vehicles ready to go Thursday morning.”Stay off the roads if you can. Make sure you have enough fuel in your car,” Stallard said. “Make sure you have enough wiper fluid and you can be looking at a clean street right in front of you and you can go up two blocks and it’s going to be blizzard-like conditions.”
Here are few other tips to winterize your vehicle:
- Get a snow brush and ice scraper
- Wash off road salt and wax your vehicle
- Inspect your tire treads and ensure proper air pressure
- Test the warm air flow from the heating vents
- Replace your windshield wipers as the seasons change
- Check your oil levels, and change the oil if needed
- Make sure your battery is in good working condition
- Get a battery tender to stay fully charged
Not only does your vehicle need special care in order to withstand this extreme weather condition. There are also a few measures and steps that can be taken to weatherize your home as well to ensure the safety for you and your family.
- Check your air conditioning system
- Protect the condensing unit
- Reverse your ceiling fans
- Winterize Your Gutters
- Clean Downspout
- Check Roof
- Check doors and windows
- Make sure your Emergency Kit is stocked and winter storm ready.
- apply products that melt ice on walkways.
- Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel.
- Keep emergency heating equipment and fuel so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable.
- Insulate walls, attics, doors, and windows.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
- Wood Burning Fireplace and Chimney
- Winterize Your Landscape and Outdoor Gear
- Heating system checks
- Winterize your pipes and plumbing
- Don’t overexert yourself or work outside for extended periods of time.
There are also resources for those who are without heat or shelter in these dangerous conditions.When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below – warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5pm, Monday through Friday.The warming areas are available for all residents in need of safe refuge and relief from extreme cold weather.
WARMING AREAS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Englewood Community Service Center
1140 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620
312-747-0200
Garfield Community Service Center
10 South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612
312-746-5400
Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center
4314 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653
312-747-2300
North Area Community Service Center
845 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640
312-744-2580
South Chicago Community Service Center
8650 South Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617
312-747-0500
Trina Davila Community Service Center
4312 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639
312-744-2014
Hundreds of flights were already canceled Thursday morning as a winter snow storm moves into the Chicago area Thursday.Passengers should expect more flight issues from the storm, with impacts across the country. O’Hare Airport reported 507 flight cancellations as of 12 p.m., with 245 flight cancellations at Midway Airport. If for any reason, you must travel by car, here are a few travel tips to increase chances of a safe passage.
- Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
- Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
- Maintain a storm kit in your car with such items as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; extra batteries; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
- Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car’s ability, don’t travel. If you must travel be cautious.
- Tell someone about your travel plans.
- Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
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