How to find a warming center during Chicago's upcoming cold snap
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) - With temperatures about to plummet and wind chills as low as 50 degrees below zero expected overnight, Chicagoans struggling to keep warm have some options.
Several state-owned buildings, including 113 community centers, libraries and police stations, open their doors to anyone during daytime hours to provide relief from the cold.
Residents can find a warming center by calling 311 or by viewing the city’s online map.
Warming shelters stay open during the day, though their exact operating times vary.
Anyone seeking overnight protection from the cold should call 311 to find one of the city’s 100 shelters.
For those who need to escape the cold outside the city limits, Cook County officials maintain an online list of suburban warming centers.
Residents can also find out about warming centers listed by the state of Illinois online or by calling (847) 411-9276.