Area residents warned to prepare for extreme cold snap ahead, with temperatures set to plummet and wind chills hitting as low as -35 degrees in Chicago.
As the mercury drops, emergency room physicians are sounding the alarm on the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, warning that minutes matter in cases of cold-related emergencies. Dr. Nick Cozzi at Rush University Medical Center says the key is to layer up and take precautions seriously. "Folks in Chicago are used to this type of cold, but we have to protect ourselves, especially our elderly loved ones and those most vulnerable," he advises.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning for the area, with wind chills expected to plummet as low as -35 degrees Friday and stay below zero until Saturday. Residents are advised to take precautions at home, such as increasing their house temperature and letting tap water run to prevent pipes from freezing.
Mike Garritano of ABC Plumbing says that about 50% of his calls for frozen pipes during extremely cold weather can be prevented by taking simple measures like warming up the house and keeping the tap running. "The furnace is the heart of the home," he notes. "If you can't heat it up, you're going to have some problems."
As temperatures drop, residents are advised to stay indoors and take precautions to stay warm at home. The Garfield Community Service Center will serve as a warming center overnight Thursday and Friday, while the American Red Cross offers tips on staying safe with space heaters and fireplaces.
With wind chills expected to hit extreme levels, area residents are being warned to prepare for life-threatening cold snaps ahead, with temperatures set to plummet and hypothermia risks increasing. By taking simple precautions like layering up and letting tap water run, residents can stay safe and avoid costly damages from frozen pipes.
As the mercury drops, emergency room physicians are sounding the alarm on the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, warning that minutes matter in cases of cold-related emergencies. Dr. Nick Cozzi at Rush University Medical Center says the key is to layer up and take precautions seriously. "Folks in Chicago are used to this type of cold, but we have to protect ourselves, especially our elderly loved ones and those most vulnerable," he advises.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning for the area, with wind chills expected to plummet as low as -35 degrees Friday and stay below zero until Saturday. Residents are advised to take precautions at home, such as increasing their house temperature and letting tap water run to prevent pipes from freezing.
Mike Garritano of ABC Plumbing says that about 50% of his calls for frozen pipes during extremely cold weather can be prevented by taking simple measures like warming up the house and keeping the tap running. "The furnace is the heart of the home," he notes. "If you can't heat it up, you're going to have some problems."
As temperatures drop, residents are advised to stay indoors and take precautions to stay warm at home. The Garfield Community Service Center will serve as a warming center overnight Thursday and Friday, while the American Red Cross offers tips on staying safe with space heaters and fireplaces.
With wind chills expected to hit extreme levels, area residents are being warned to prepare for life-threatening cold snaps ahead, with temperatures set to plummet and hypothermia risks increasing. By taking simple precautions like layering up and letting tap water run, residents can stay safe and avoid costly damages from frozen pipes.
50% of Mike Garritano's plumbing calls can be prevented by warming up the house and keeping tap water running?!?! that's like, so simple but also super important! layering up is key too, esp for our elderly loved ones who might not know better 
Dr. Cozzi is totally right to sound the alarm on frostbite and hypothermia, it's not just about us having a bad day, minutes count in cases of emergencies! 
and btw, has anyone ever tried a space heater with a thermometer? seems like a good idea... 
this is getting crazy! Like, I'm all for a good winter, but -35 degrees?! That's straight-up bitter 
I feel so bad for the elderly folks out there who are most vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia. Can we please just make sure our seniors have access to warm shelters and proper care? This extreme cold snap is like, no joke 
and I'm super worried about people getting hurt. On a positive note, at least our city's got some awesome warming centers set up like the Garfield Community Service Center - that's a lifesaver for anyone who can't get home safely 
! We need to take it super serious, especially with our elderly loved ones. I live in an apartment building, so if the pipes freeze, we'll be like "good luck" 
. I know it sounds dramatic, but hypothermia can happen fast and it's no joke. Let's all just stay cozy at home, drink some hot tea 
️, and keep those pipes flowing 
!
I feel so bad for those who are most vulnerable, especially our elderly loved ones. They need to prioritize their safety above all else.
. And can we talk about how important it is to have a plan in place? Like, if you're going to be home alone or something, make sure you've got a way to stay warm and safe.
. Stay warm, Chicago! 
, that's like half the time when homes break down and people have to deal with it. 
, 'cause frostbite and hypothermia are no joke 
. Let's hope they get some help from those warming centers and Red Cross tips... fingers crossed that everyone stays safe! 
! I know Chicago's no stranger to cold snaps, but come on, it's like we're living in a winter wonderland nightmare 
. I'm all for being prepared, but can't they just give us a heads up and some decent weather forecasting? It's not like we don't have enough to worry about already 
Those at-risk groups need extra help and support, if you ask me. I hope our community service centers like the Garfield one are ready to provide a safe haven for those in need 
. I mean, who hasn't been there, right? 
. Let's all just take it easy, stay warm, and hope the mercury rises soon 
!
but seriously how are ppl supposed to go to school when its like -35 outside? wont they just freeze to death or something? anyway im kinda glad we dont have to deal with that here our heating system is pretty reliable lol
like Mike Garritano said it's all about taking care of our homes and each other during extreme weather 
And oh man, -35 degrees wind chills? that's just crazy! My grandma would freak out if she had to go outside in weather like that... let's all take care of our elderly loved ones and stay safe this weekend 
Extreme cold is no joke! I mean, -35 degrees? That's crazy! And frostbite/hypothermia can be so sneaky... you gotta take it seriously. Layering up is a must, trust me, I've seen people underestimate the power of a good coat and gloves. 
And don't even get me started on pipes - I know someone who got hit with frozen pipe drama last winter, and it was a total nightmare! 
But seriously, if you're elderly or vulnerable, make sure to take extra precautions, stay warm at home, and have a plan in place. And hey, warming centers are there to help, so don't be afraid to use 'em! 
. Those 50% stats from ABC Plumbing are eye-opening, tbh 
. Can't believe we have to deal with this kind of extreme weather every year... can't it just be spring already? 
Chicago is already feeling the pinch, but it's about to get even colder 
. If you're not prepared, frostbite can sneak up on ya like that 
. Don't be caught off guard! Layer up, let the taps run, and keep an eye on those pipes 
. Safety first, especially with our elderly neighbors 
.