Dear Neighbors,
has issued an Extreme Cold Warning in effect until noon on Friday, January 23, with possible wind chills expected to reach –30° to –35° below zero. At these temperatures, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. I strongly encourage everyone to stay indoors if possible, limit time outside, and bundle up in multiple warm layers—including a hat, gloves, and a face covering, if you must go out.
Due to this extreme weather, and for the safety of our staff and residents, the 46th ward office will be closed tomorrow. My team will be working remotely and remains available by email at [email protected] to respond to urgent issues.
Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether home or traveling, so it’s important to stay informed. Residents are encouraged to download the for safety and preparedness tips, weather information and alerts, and more. Users will access to current forecasts, radar and public safety information as well. OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. Download the app through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit, .
Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at
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 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 , or by using the CHI 311 app.
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
The 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.
Department of Family & Support Services
The 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.
Additionally, the City of Chicago coordinates a network of , including participating Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department and City Colleges of Chicago facilities during business or designated hours. Individual facility hours and locations can be verified by visiting the . Those seeking a warm place to go after hours can also call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services.
North Area Community Service Center - 845 West Wilson Avenue
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
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, open during operating hours.
Chicago Police Districts
Below are the Warming Centers available on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25:
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, 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 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
Please also take a moment to check on elderly neighbors, neighbors with disabilities, and anyone who may need extra support during this extreme cold. And remember to keep pets indoors as well.
Warmly,
Alderwoman Angela Clay & the 46th Ward Team
