Naperville Urges Residents to Prepare for Freezing Temperatures, Blowing Snow

Severe arctic temperatures are expected to move into the area beginning Sunday evening continuing through Wednesday, Jan. 8. Temperatures are expected to plummet to 15 to 20 degrees below zero with a wind chill factor of 40 degrees below zero.

“With severe weather heading our way it’s important to plan ahead and make necessary trips now rather than during the height of winter weather,” Emergency Management Coordinator Dan Nelson stated in a press release. “Make sure your winter emergency survival kit for your home and car is stocked and ready to go. If you must go out during this weather remember to leave extra time to get to your destination and exercise caution on the roadways.”

The City offers the following tips to stay safe during inclement winter weather:

• Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
• Have disaster supplies, such as a flashlight, portable radio, first aid kit and three-day supply of food, available in case the power goes out.
• Make sure you have an appropriate supply of any medications you may need.
• Stay indoors and dress warmly.
• Conserve fuel.
• If pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold.
• If you must go outdoors, dress warmly and wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, those with chronic illnesses, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
• Limit outdoor exposure for your pets. Check frequently on any animal while they are outside.

A full list of tips can be found in the City’s Emergency Preparedness Guide, which is available at www.naperville.il.us/emergencyprepguide.aspx. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has also developed a preparedness document that includes valuable information about how to prepare a winter storm survival car kit and driving safety tips. This document is available to view at http://tinyurl.com/2emyp4n.

Warming Centers
During normal business hours, Monday through Friday, residents can seek shelter from winter weather elements at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, the Naperville Park District will offer two warming centers at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the 95th Street Center, 2244 W. 95th St., from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Other shelters are available at the following locations:

• County administrative buildings
• Libraries
• Shopping malls
• Township offices
• Other public places 

For more information on winter weather, including terminology, warning and advisory criteria and snowfall statistics, please visit the National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville winter weather webpage at www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/?n=winter.

Residents in need of assistance during this period of severe winter weather can contact City Dispatch directly at (630) 420-6187. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.

To sign up for Naperville's new notification system Naper Notify and receive important emergency and community information via a phone call, text message, email or smart phone app, visit www.napernotify.com.