January 29, 2019 -- A Wind Chill Warning is in effect in Lake County from 6 PM thru Thursday at noon. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 55 below zero are possible. In these conditions, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 5 minutes. Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.
Blowing and drifting snow is expected as wind gusts will increase to 25 to 35 mph this afternoon and evening. Visibility may be significantly reduced.
Please find information on Warming Centers, Traffic Conditions, and important winter tips below.
Refuse and Recycling Delayed
Due to the dangerous temperatures expected this Wednesday, Lakeshore Recycling Systems is suspending Wednesday's residential and commercial hauling routes. Refuse and recycling will resume Thursday and will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Check on Neighbors
With dangerous cold conditions, please check on your neighbors to ensure their well-being. Should you be concerned about the well-being of a neighbor, the Police Department can conduct well-being checks, especially for the elderly. To request a well-being check, contact the Police Department Non-Emergency Number at 847.432.7730.
Por favor, este al pendiente de sus vecinos, miembros de su familia, los ancianos y los discapacitados durante estas condiciones frías.
Comuníquese con el Número de No Emergencia del Departamento de Policía al 847.432.7730 para solicitar un control de bienestar al Departamento de Policía de Highland Park.
Warming Centers
The following locations serve as public warming centers within the City:
Highland Park Police Department, 1677 Old Deerfield Road, is open to residents as a warming center 24 hours per day.
Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, is open to residents as a warming center during the following modified hours on Wednesday and Thursday of this week:
Wednesday - 7 AM through 7 PM
Thursday - 7 AM through 10 PM
Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, is open to residents as a warming center 8 AM through 5 PM Monday through Friday.
Centros de calentamiento están disponibles para los residentes que necesitan alivio del frío:
La estación de Policía de Highland Park, 1677 Old Deerfield Road, está abierta las 24 horas del día, 7 días a la semana
Centro de Recreación de Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West
miércoles - 7 AM - 7 PM
jueves - 7 AM - 10 PM
Ayuntamiento de Highland Park, 1707 ST. John's Avenue, de 8 AM - 5 PM Lunes - Viernes
Closures
The following sister governments will be closed on Wednesday:
- School District 112 - All Schools Closed
- School District 113 - Highland Park High School Closed
- Park District of Highland Park - All Park District Facilities Closed except the Recreation Center, Open 7 AM - 7 PM; All Classes Cancelled
- Highland Park Public Library Closed
- City of Highland Park - Senior Center Open, but Classes and Activities Cancelled
A number of other organizations and businesses are closing on Wednesday. Please consider calling ahead before traveling to any destination.
Traffic Conditions
City Public Works crews have been following the City's snow and ice operations. Under normal snowfall conditions, three-inch or less, all public streets are plowed within the first six hours. Snow removal operations will continue until all public streets are passable and all parking areas have been cleared.
Please remember the City's Snow Ordinance is in effect from December 1 through March 31. No vehicles can park on any public streets from 2 AM to 6 AM.
Permitted overnight City parking lots are identified on City's website at www.cityhpil.com/parking. An overnight parking permit can be obtained at City Hall, Monday, 7:30 AM to 5 PM and Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
The City prohibits removing snow or ice from any building, private property, driveway, driveway approach or public sidewalk and depositing it onto public streets.
If a resident observes that snow is piled onto a handicap parking space in a public or private parking lot prohibiting use of the parking space, please contact the City of Highland Park Police at 847.432.7730.
Drivers are asked to continue using caution by slowing down and leaving extra space between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of you. Traffic conditions throughout Lake County can be found online at Lake County Passage.
Sidewalks
The City began sidewalk plowing operations today, January 29. The City maintains approximately 120 miles of public sidewalk. Upon accumulation of 4" or more of snow, City's authorized contractor(s) plow all public sidewalks. The sidewalk plowing typically starts 12 to 24 hours after the start of the snowfall and could take up to 24 to 48 hours or more to complete the entire plowing operation of public sidewalks.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
In sub-zero temperatures, homes are more susceptible to frozen pipes. To prevent home water service pipes from freezing, residents could run cold water from the highest point in the home (i.e. upstairs bathroom faucet) until sub-zero temperatures have subsided. It is recommended that a pencil-sized stream of water run continuously. If a resident experiences frozen pipes, please contact a licensed plumber immediately.
If a licensed plumber requires the City water to be turned off to fix any frozen pipes, during regular hours, please contact Public Works Department at 847.432.0807 and during off-hours contact Police Non-Emergency Dispatch at 847.432.7730.
Clear Fire Hydrants
The City of Highland Park Fire Department needs your help clearing snow from around fire hydrants. If you have a fire hydrant on or near your property, please consider clearing away the snow. By doing so, you will save firefighters precious time responding to a fire.
Pet Safety
Help ensure your pets stay safe by following these cold weather pet safety tips.
Limit Exposure to Freezing Temperatures:
If it is too cold for you to be outside, it is likely too cold for your pet. Be mindful of the amount of time your pet spends outside. Even short-term exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Provide small dogs or those with thin hair a coat or sweater if going outside. Wearing pet booties can also help keep your pet's feed warm and dry.
Supervise Potty Breaks and Keep Walks Brisk:
If letting your pet out into the yard for a potty break, it is always best to stand by the door and call them back inside immediately after they've finished. Standing by the door until your pet is ready to come back inside can limit the risk of becoming distracted by something else going on inside the house and accidentally leaving them out in the cold for too long. It is also best to limit the amount of time spent on walks during the cold winter months in order to avoid over-exposure to frigid temperatures. Walks should be just long enough for your pet to relieve themselves.
Avoid Contact with Chemicals:
Common chemicals used during the winter months can be hazardous to pets. Extreme caution should be used when storing anti-freeze, as many formulas contain ethylene glycol, which can be deadly if consumed by a pet. Rock salt can cause burning and irritation if in contact with a pet's paws, as well as stomach irritation when licked from the paws and swallowed. A simple solution for avoiding contact with rock salt is to purchase pet booties for your pet to wear when outdoors.
Dress your Pet in Waterproof Clothing:
When it's cold outside, help protect your pet by providing a waterproof coat or sweater. When outside during the winter months, there is a chance your pet may come into contact with ice, snow, or slush, which can saturate a non-waterproof clothing item. A cold, wet piece of clothing can lead to sickness and/or illness rather than delivering the intended warmth and protection.
Supervise Access to Warming Devices:
Pets should never be left unattended around warming and/or heating devices, such as space heaters, electric blankets, or open flames. If a pet is cold, they may get too close to the warming device, which can put them at risk for burns or other injuries should the device be knocked over.
Report Power Outages
Please report all power outages to ComEd by calling 1.800.334.7661 or online at www.ComEd.com. If there is an immediate danger due to a downed power line, please call 911.
Please ensure that any portable generators are used outdoors only due to carbon monoxide emissions. Never run a portable generator indoors.
Downed Trees and Tree Limbs
Heavy snow accumulations on trees along with high winds can cause downed trees and tree limbs in the City. If a tree or tree limb has fallen on a power line, please contact ComEd at 1.800.edison1. Do not touch any trees which are in contact with a power line. Please report downed tree limbs in the roadway or along the parkway to Public Works during regular business hours at 847.432.0807 or during non-business hours, please report the downed tree limb to Police Non-Emergency at 847.432.7730.
Contact Public Works
To contact Public Works concern during business hours, please call 847.432.0807. After hours, please contact Highland Park Police Non-Emergency at 847.432.7730. In an emergency, dial 911.
Stay Informed
Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the City's eNews to receive important information and updates from the City. Please forward this email to residents who may be interested in signing up. Please also continue to check the City's website at www.cityhpil.com for updates.