With extremely cold temperatures expected in Evanston over the next two days, the city’s Health & Human Services Department has issued a Cold Weather Advisory and is providing residents with information on warming facilities and tips to stay safe.
Residents are advised to take preventive actions to avoid cold-related illnesses, such as hypothermia and frostbite, and to check on elderly friends and neighbors.
Warming centers available
The following locations will be available as warming centers on Tuesday, Jan. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 26. Masks are required to be worn at all times while inside the buildings.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
1655 Foster St.
8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Chandler-Newberger Center
1028 Central St.
8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Robert Crown Community Center
1801 Main St.
6 a.m. to 11 p.m. - Levy Senior Center
300 Dodge Ave.
8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Evanston Ecology Center
2024 McCormick Blvd.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Main Evanston Public Library (Proof of vaccination required)
1703 Orrington Ave.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Robert Crown Branch Library (Proof of vaccination required)
1801 Main St.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The city is working with community partner agencies, including Connections for the Homeless and Interfaith Action, to provide overnight shelter accommodations for those in need.
Staying safe outdoors
The Health & Human Services Department recommends the following preventive measures for those who must venture outside:
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wool offers good protection from extreme cold and moisture.
- Don’t forget to wear a hat, gloves and scarf. In extreme cold, frostbite can occur within 60 seconds or less. Make sure to cover all exposed skin.
- Wear waterproof boots or sturdy shoes that provide maximum traction.
- Restrict outdoor exposure for infants, children and pets.
- Keep your cellphone charged in case of emergency.
- Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, such as skin stiffness, slurred speech, slow heartbeat, drowsiness, weak pulse or slow or shallow breathing.
Staying safe indoors
For those needing alternative sources of heat, the Health & Human Services Department issues the following reminders:
- Never use your oven for heat.
- Any heater that uses wood, coal, natural gas or kerosene produces carbon monoxide (CO), so adequate ventilation is essential.
- Never use a generator indoors, even with open doors or windows.
- Use electric space heaters with extreme care, and avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials. Be sure to turn them off before going to bed.
- Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in every level of your home, replacing the batteries at least twice a year.
- Drink water. Staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as in summer.
Staying safe on the road
- Don’t run your car or truck in your garage, even if you leave the door open. Make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow, ice and other debris.
- Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.
- Maintain a full tank of gas.
Prevent water service lines from freezing
During cold weather, property owners should take precautions to prevent the water service line from freezing:
- Insulate or wrap UL-listed heat tape around water pipes.
- Keep cabinet doors open under kitchen and bathroom sinks overnight to help prevent frozen water pipes, and insulate water pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements and crawl spaces.
- Run water at a small trickle.
For water line issues, community members are advised to follow the tips posted at cityofevanston.org/frozenpipes or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.
Source: City of Evanston