Bitterly cold temperatures were expected to enter the region late Thursday afternoon and last through much of next week, prompting the opening of warming centers for those who need shelter.
The high temperature on Friday is expected to be 16, and the predicted high for the next two days will drop further. The high on Sunday is expected to be 8.
Wind chill values Friday night will be -9 degrees.
In Flossmoor, the police department lobby is open 24-hours as a warming center. If too many people seek shelter to allow for proper social distancing, village officials will open the board room as a secondary option.
People will need to enter at the main entrance on the north side of village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road.
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District buildings are closed to the public due to the pandemic, unless there are scheduled hours. The park district can work with those who need a warming center if they call ahead to 708-957-0300 or 708-799-1323 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. for assistance.
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) announced that warming center would be open for those in need of shelter from the cold.
Municipalities and townships across Cook County operate warming centers for residents. Residents who do not have adequate heating in their homes are encouraged to visit a warming center to ensure they remain safe.
The county centers closest to Homewood and Flossmoor are the Bremen Township center at 16361 S. Kedzie Parkway in Markham and the Orland Township center at 14807 Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park. Both are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
For a full list of warming centers, hours of operation and other information, please visit https://cookgov.me/warmcenters.
Officials also reminded residents to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families.
- Never use your oven for heat.
- Never bring charcoal or gas grills indoors. They are a carbon monoxide hazard.
- Make sure all portable heaters are unplugged when not in use.
- Use electric space heaters with extreme caution – avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials and turn them off before going to bed.
- Keep heat at adequate levels or leave faucets open with a slight drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep moving. Your body generates its own heat when you engage in physical activities.
