Everyone knows that Chicago winters are brutally cold and can often lead to dangerous conditions. According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Chicago sees an average of 39 inches of snow and the state experiences normally five winter storms annually. Weather conditions such as snow and ice can shut down the city in no time at all but it can take weeks to fully recover. In this post I am providing winter weather preparedness information as it is my hope that every family in Illinois will be ready this winter season with the proper resources available through their community and state programs.

Knowing Winter Weather Alerts

The National Weather service uses eight terms to describe severe winter weather: winter storm watch, winter storm warning, ice storm warning, blizzard warning, wind chill warning, winter weather advisory, freezing rain advisory, and wind chill advisory. Though it seems the terms are self explanatory in their titles, it is very helpful to know the definition of each warning and advisory to fully be prepared for upcoming weather. It is also helpful to know the duration of each warning or advisory and the affected area if you plan to do any traveling.

Preparing Your Home

Families see their electric and gas bills rise dramatically in the winter months as they struggle to keep their homes warm. Many do not know that a minor investment into proper or updated insulation of their home would help cut their bills and possibly raise the value of the home.

If you are a low income individual or family, you have options this winter to keep your home warm without struggling to pay your bills. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity offers two programs to help low income families combat the cold weather, The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP). Eligible families can receive thousands of dollars in aid through both programs. For more information on these State programs, please visit www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo.

What to Do When the Cold Weather Hits

Being prepared for and knowing what to do in case of an emergency power outage or if you are stranded due to bad weather can help make the situation more manageable. Stocking up on non-perishable food and warm clothing, having heat alternatives or back up generators, and access to weather alert updates are just a few ways one can be prepared for when bad weather strikes.

There are weather preparedness guidelines and check lists available on the internet. Below are a few examples of Web sites I rely on to make sure my home and family are ready to take on the rough winter weather. I hope that you and your family enjoy a safe, and warm, winter season.

Ready Illinois! - http://www.ready.illinois.gov

National Weather Service Education - www.weather.gov/education.php

Red Cross Power Outage Checklist - http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/PowerOutage.pdf

Red Cross Frostbite & Hypothermia Education - http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/Preparing/Frostbite_and_Hypothermia.pdf