Chicago, IL – As Winter Weather Preparedness Week continues, the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago is reminding residents to take extra precautions following major winter storms—especially those involving ice that can bring down trees and power lines.
According to the NWS, power outages are common after ice storms, and residents should be cautious when using alternative heat sources such as candles and space heaters, which pose a fire risk. Officials recommend keeping doors closed and bundling up to preserve warmth while waiting for power restoration.
The agency also urges proper generator use—operating units only outdoors and at least 20 feet away from homes, windows, or garages to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. “Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully,” the advisory states.
Once household safety is ensured, residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or vulnerable, to ensure they have heat and power.
More information and safety tips are available at weather.gov/chicago/winterprepare and weather.gov/safety/winter.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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