Bitter cold temperatures are more than an inconvenience; they pose a serious threat to health and safety. The City of Chicago has many services available to help residents weather the winter months.
- Locate a Warming Center near you
- Request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from extreme weather
- Report inadequate heat in a residential building
- Learn about programs that assist with home heating costs
- Connect to shelter and supportive services
Protect Yourself and Family:
- Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing
- Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: stiff muscles, shivering, puffy or swollen face, cold skin, slow breathing and mental confusion
- Never use an extension cord with a space heater. Ovens should not be used to heat homes
A Warming Center is a heated facility where Chicagoans can go to find safe refuge from extreme weather.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) operates six Warming Centers during work weekdays when temperatures dip below 32 degrees. Additional facilities are opened as needed including Senior Centers, libraries, and Park District buildings. The Warming Centers that DFSS operates are not open on weekday holidays unless specifically indicated. This is why it is so important to contact 3-1-1 for Warming Center information, especially during off hours or on holidays.
The Garfield Center, located at 10 S. Kedzie Avenue, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect residents to emergency shelter.
Call 3-1-1 to locate a Warming Center in your area.
9 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday
(DFSS Warming Centers are not open on weekday holidays unless specifically indicated. Hours and days may be extended under extreme conditions. Also, other City facilities might be designated for warming purposes during off hours, That is why it is important to call 3-1-1 for information concerning Warming Center locations, especially during off hours and on weekday holidays)
Landlords must heat residential buildings to at least 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees overnight. If you are unable to resolve a heating problem with your landlord, call 3-1-1.
The following 4 warming centers will be open this week 9AM-8PM Tuesday through Thursday and 9AM-5PM on Friday.
Englewood Community Service Center 1140 W. 79th St.
North Area Community Center 845 W. Wilson Ave
South Chicago Community Service Center 8650 S. Commercial Ave
Trina Davila Community Service Center 4312 W. North Ave
In addition we have TWO facilities that will be opened as Warming Centers 24 hours a day. These facilities are located at:
King Center 4314 S. Cottage Grove
Garfield Center 10 S. Kedzie
The City will also have designated CTA buses acting as warming centers overnight
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/serv/svcs/dfss_warming_centers.html
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/emerg/alerts/2018/january/winter_warning_alert.html
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