Residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App for safety and preparedness tips, weather information & alerts, DSS Snowplow Tracker and more. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar and public safety information as well.
Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether home or traveling, so it’s important to stay informed. OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.
- Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyChicago.org
- CHILAKE: For lakefront notices including flooding, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
- CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation (CDOT) reminds all home, business, and property owners to clear snow from all sidewalks adjacent to their property, including any crosswalk ramps. Snow should not be shoveled into the right-of-way, which includes transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind. Property owners responsible for a corner lot must remove snow and ice from sidewalks on all sides of the building and from corner sidewalk ramps. CDOT is responsible for salting and plowing the more than 55 miles of protected bike lanes in Chicago. The public can report uncleared sidewalks and bike lanes by calling 3-1-1, visiting 311.Chicago.gov, or by using the CHI 311 app.
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) is reminding business licensees that it is their duty to remove sidewalk snow and ice as outlined in the Municipal Code of Chicago 4-4-310 and 10-8-180. Businesses that do not comply can face fines. Once any amount of snow has accumulated, sidewalk cafe permittees with sidewalk cafes on the street-side of the sidewalk must remove their cafes from the public way until the snow is removed. Permittees with sidewalk cafes on the building-side of the sidewalk must remove their sidewalk cafes from the public way once two inches of snow has accumulated until the snow is removed.
Warming Centers
The City coordinates a network of more than 200 public facilities available for warming. This includes participating Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department and City Colleges of Chicago facilities during business or designated hours. Below are the Warming Centers available on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25:
Department of Family & Support Services
The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas Monday-Friday at the City’s six community service centers when temps are 32˚F or below. Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s 21 senior centers. DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations and hours. Those seeking a warm place to go after hours can also call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services.
- Englewood Community Service Center - 1140 West 79th Street
- Garfield Community Service Center - 10 South Kedzie Avenue
- Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center - 4314 South Cottage Grove
- North Area Community Service Center - 845 West Wilson Avenue
- South Chicago Community Service Center - 8650 South Commercial Avenue
- Trina Davila Community Service Center - 4312 West North Avenue
- Chicago Public Library Locations
- Chicago Park District Locations
- Chicago Police Districts
Cold-Weather Tips:
- Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and others or requiring emergency services.
- Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. For Winter preparation information visit, Chicago.gov/OEMC for details and links to other local, state, and federal resources.
- Avoid unnecessary trips outside if you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.
- Wear several layers of loose, warm cloth.
- Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoor.
- Stay dry because moisture can damage the insulation effectiveness of clothing.
- Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Don’t forget your pets, bring them inside during bitter cold and numbing wetness, to stay safe and warm.
Department of Streets and Sanitation Snow Command
The City’s winter overnight parking ban is in effect to ensure the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) crews can quickly salt and plow the streets during a winter storm. The ban impacts approximately 107 miles of Chicago streets daily from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., and signage is permanently posted along the affected routes. Residents are encouraged to check the posted street signs for parking restrictions. DSS manages more than 9,400 lane miles of roadway and maintains a fleet of over 300 snow vehicles that are fully prepared to respond if needed. DSS is also prepared with 425,000 tons of salt stationed at salt piles throughout the city. For up-to-date snowplow activity, visit the plow tracker at Shovels.Chicago.gov.
