Warming Centers Open As Temps Drop In Suburban Cook County

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL — With temperatures in Cook County expected to drop this week, the Cook County's Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security has updated its list of warming centers for residents to protect themselves and their families.

Warming centers can be found across suburban Cook County, including in Elk Grove Village (600 Landmeier Road) and Hoffman Estates (1 Illinois Blvd.).

The Elk Grove Village location is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Hoffman Estates location is open 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.

Residents should also keep the following tips in mind through the cold winter months, according to Cook County:

• 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.

The list of warming centers can also be found on the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security website here. Residents who need to seek shelter at a warming center should contact the center first to verify availability and hours of operation.

Warming centers within the City of Chicago can be found on the city's website.