TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN EXTREME WINTER WEATHER

Safety Tips

The Cook County Department of Public Health is advising residents to use common sense and follow these safety suggestions to stay safe during extreme cold and snowy conditions:

If it can wait, stay home but be prepared:

• Do not use an oven as a heating device. Read directions before using space heaters and other portable heating units.

• Make sure cracks in windows and doors are repaired. For a quick fix, use towels, rugs or newspapers.

• Have bottled water, canned foods, flashlights and batteries on hand in case a winter storm keeps you indoors.

• Residents without adequate heat: Check here for a list of suburban Cook County warming centers.

If you have to go outdoors:

Dress for the cold:

• Wear a warm hat, and keep feet and hands warm and dry.
• Cover as much of your face as possible while outside, breathe through a scarf to warm air before it enters your lungs
• Wear several layers of lightweight clothing, rather than one or two layers of heavy garments. The air between the garments acts as insulation to keep the body warmer.

Stay healthy:

• Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms:
  • hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering
  • frostbite: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin

Please visit The Weather Channel for more updates.