City Of Joliet Urges Residents To Take Precautions In Extreme Cold

Current forecasts for the next 36 hours in Joliet and the surrounding communities call for potentially record breaking cold temperatures and life-threatening wind chills. A wind-chill warning is in effect from Tuesday evening, Jan. 29 through the morning of Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. This is extremely dangerous weather and serious precautions should be taken. If possible, stay indoors during this time. If you must go outdoors, limit yours and pets’ time and dress properly.

Cancellations

• Due to the forecasted extreme cold weather, garbage and recycling collection is canceled for Wednesday, Jan. 30 and Jan. 31st. For questions please contact Waste Management at
  815-280-7854.
• Check area organization websites or local news outlets for closures and cancellations.

City Hall will be open during regular business hours (8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.).

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

• Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Insulate pipes in cold prone areas of your home using pipe insulation.
• If pipes are already frozen, shut off water immediately at the inside main valve.
• Use warm air to thaw a frozen pipe, like a hair dryer or supervised space heater. Never use an open flame.

If your pipes are frozen for more than 24 hours please call the City of Joliet Department of Public Utilities 24 hour line at 815-724-4220.

For additional information concerning frozen pipes and other cold weather tips, please visit our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/TheCityofJoliet

Warming Centers in Joliet

A list of warming centers around Will County including Joliet can be found at: https://www.willcountyema.org/warmingcooling.

Locations listed for Joliet are:

Catholic Charities Daybreak Center                                                         MorningStar Mission

611 E. Cass St.                                                                                                    350 E. Washington St.

815-774-4660                                                                                                     815-722-5780

Buildings that are open to the public during regular business hours may also be able to temporarily accommodate those seeking shelter from the extreme temperatures. Residents are encouraged to keep weekend and business hours in mind when checking on locations and to always call a facility prior to arriving to ensure they are operating as a warming center.

Please check on the elderly, those with medical conditions and those with special needs during periods of extreme cold weather. To request a wellness check or if you are in need of temporary shelter, please contact the Joliet Police Department 24 hour non-emergency number at 815-726-2491.

Please make sure that you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Keeping Pets Safe in the Cold:

• This dangerously cold weather is deadly to animals if left outdoors. Bring your pets indoors.
• Do not leave your pets alone in a vehicle.
• Make sure your pet has a warm, dry place with plenty of food and water.
• Keep salt away from pets’ paws.
• If you see an animal outdoors and in need, become their advocate. Contact Joliet Animal Control at 815-720-0333 to report an animal in distress.

Additional Cold Weather Tips

https://www.willcountyema.org/extreme-cold

Always call 9-1-1 in case of a medical emergency.