Warming Centers Available Upon Request
Exposure to extreme cold can cause a variety of health problems, with hypothermia being the most serious. Warming Centers are heated facilities where any resident can go during periods of extreme cold temperatures to stay warm and safe.
However, the use of Warming centers can result in congregating of groups of at-risk people, such as older adults or those with respiratory diseases, and potentially provide a route for the transmission of the SARS COV-2 virus and subsequent development of COVID-19 disease among both visitors and staff.
With this mind, the Bensenville Emergency Management Agency has implemented a two level system to assist in the allocation of resources during an extreme cold event.
LEVEL 1: The most common period of extreme cold weather with the lowest demand for general public Warming facilities.
During these events, residents in need of temporary warming options are required to contact the Emergency Management Agency at (630) 350-3461 for a warming center referral based on determination of need and facility capacity.
LEVEL 2: The least common period of extreme cold weather with a high demand for general public warming facilities. Level 2 events occur during extreme cold temperatures along with mass power outages. During Level 2 events, we will announce the opening of traditional warming center facilities to the general public while maintaining federal and state COVID regulations.
Other cold weather tips include:
- Minimize travel.
- Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
- Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
- Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
- Check on the elderly.
- Bring pets inside.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
Additional tips on how to protect yourself and others from cold-related illnesses are available on the state’s Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov)
