State representative encourages use of warming centers

Democratic state Rep. Michelle Mussman of Schaumburg is encouraging residents to use local warming centers during the winter if they do not have adequate heating in their homes, including the Schaumburg Township building, 1 Illinois Boulevard in Hoffman Estates.

The township building is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.

Another warming center is the Roselle Public Library, 40 S. Park St. in Roselle, which is open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"Many residents pay extremely high utility bills during the winter months, putting a large financial burden on hardworking families across our state," Mussman said. To find the warming center closest to you, call 311 or the Illinois Department of Human Services hotline at (800) 843-6154.

The Cook County medical examiner's office has reported seven cold weather-related deaths so far this winter in the county.