Extreme Cold Weather Resources
During the coldest months of the year, it's important to be prepared with resources for staying safe in extreme cold weather. Remember that you can always contact 311 to find warming centers, file no-heat complaints and request wellbeing checks for yourself or others. Read on for more winter safety tips. Be sure to share this information with neighbors who may not otherwise be aware of it. Stay safe 48!
OEMC COLD WEATHER TIPS
Learn more about how to stay safe in extreme temperatures on OEMC's site. Download the OEMC app to find warming centers, see up to date weather forecasts, and access more emergency resources.
CHICAGO HEAT ORDINANCE
The Chicago Heat Ordinance mandates that landlords supply heat to any unit in which residents do not have individual control of the thermostat during cold weather months. From September 15 - June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30am - 10:30pm and at least 66 degrees from 10:30pm - 8:30am. Landlords face fines of up to $1000 per day, per violation, for each day they do not supply adequate heat.
If you are a renter and your landlord is not providing adequate heat, you may file a No Heat Complaint through 311. The Department of Buildings will inspect your home and will take action against delinquent owners. Learn more here.
DFSS WARMING CENTERS
When temperatures are 32 degrees or below, warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. For 48th ward neighbors, the nearest one is located at the North Area Center (845 W Wilson). Learn more about warming centers here.
VOLUNTEER FOR THE 48th WARD SHOVEL SQUAD!
Remember: when it snows, it's the resident or building manager's responsibility to clear snow from the sidewalk. Snow that falls between 7am-7pm should be cleared by 10pm, and snow that falls between 7pm-7am should be cleared by 10am. If you need help shoveling snow or want to volunteer to help your neighbors shovel, fill out our 48th ward shovel squad form.
To report sidewalks that have not been cleared (shoveled or salted) within 15 hours of a snow or sleet event, you can file a Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk Complaint via 311.
Winter Parking Restrictions
Keep an eye out for parking areas that become restriced during snowy weather. You may see signs like the ones above, often indicating that an area is not available for parking between December 1 and April 1 when snow is over 2" deep. Visit the City of Chicago's website for more information on snow-based parking restrictions.
Reminder to all neighbors to be careful on the roads during cold weather. Drive slowly, watch for black ice, and keep distance from snowplows. Drive safe 48!
Power Outage Resources
If you experience electricity interruptions or outage due to cold or snow, see ComEd's outage map to make a report, sign up for alerts, and find estimated repair times.
