City Encourages Residents to Prepare for Upcoming Winter Season

The City of Naperville reminds all residents to educate themselves on how to remain safe during winter weather events.

“It's important to take the time to prepare your loved ones for a cold weather emergency before winter arrives,” Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said. “Preparedness is truly the best way our residents and their families can be safe. I encourage everyone to create a winter storm survival kit both for their home and vehicle.”

The city offers the following tips to stay safe during winter storms:

• 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.

• 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 during inclement weather, 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, elderly people and people with disabilities.

• Prior to the onset of winter weather, make sure your vehicle is prepared for weather extremes. Check tires, brakes, the battery and your heating and defrosting systems. Change anti-freeze if needed.

A full list of tips can be found in the city's Emergency Preparedness Guide, which is available on the city's website at www.naperville.il.us/emergencyprepguide.aspx.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has developed a preparedness document that includes valuable information about how to prepare a winter storm survival car kit, driving safety tips and how to prepare yourself and your loved ones for a winter storm. This document is available at www.state.il.us/iema/.

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. Other shelters are available at the following locations:

• County administrative buildings

• Libraries

• Park District facilities

• Senior centers

• Shopping malls

• Township offices

• Other public places

For relief from inclement conditions after hours and on weekends, residents are encouraged to visit any of the city's ten fire stations.

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.

For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.