Frankfort Extends Warming Center Hours, Warns Of Dangerous Cold

FRANKFORT, IL — The Village of Frankfort is extending its warming center hours and offering residents other assistance if they need help staying warm ahead of the extreme cold heading toward the area. Shelter will be provided for anyone who loses power or heat from 5 p.m. Tuesday through 8 a.m. Friday.

Anyone in need of help can call the Laraway Communications Center at 815-485-2500 at any time.

Temperatures in Frankfort could dip as low at -20 degrees Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, forecasters said.

Officials offered these tips to stay safe in the dangerously cold weather:

• Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold
• Minimize travel. If you must travel, and in the event you have mechanical difficulties, stay with your vehicle and call 911 for assistance.
• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle
• Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
• Learn how to shut off water valves in the event a pipe bursts
• Do not heat home with oven/stove
• Check and replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check on the elderly
• Bring pets inside
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, a hat and mittens

Residents can sign up for free alerts through the Frankfort Police NIXLE website at www.villageoffrankfort.com.

A list of Will County warming centers can be found at www.willcountyema.org.

Photo via Deb Belt/Patch.