With wind chills potentially dropping below zero this week and into the weekend, CDPH urges Chicagoans to take proper precautions to protect themselves from the extreme cold. The City of Chicago maintains warming centers on weekdays when temperatures are 32 degrees and below, and libraries and Chicago Park District facilities are open for those who need shelter from the cold. If you’re in need of non-emergency health or social support, call 3-1-1 for help.

• Avoid unnecessary trips outside.

• Wear several layers of dry, loose, warm clothing.

• Do not let children play outside unsupervised or for long periods of time.

• Pay special attention to keeping your head, ears, hands and feet warm.

• Avoid drinking alcohol, which causes loss of body heat and can impair your judgment and motor skills in the cold.

• Check on friends and neighbors, especially those who are elderly, disabled and/or live alone.

• If you are unable to check on someone, call 311 to request a well-being check.