Weather can be unpredicatable. See the Red Cross severe storm safety tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home. The City of Evanston encourages checking the National Weather Service for updates on weather conditions. Information on hazards during the winter and summer seasons can be found below.

Winter

What You Need To Know About Blizzards and Ice Storms:

A blizzard is defined by the National Weather Service as a storm with large amounts of snow or blowing snow that meets the following three criteria:

1. Large amounts of snow that  lasts three hours or more.                             
2. Winds greater than 35 mph.
3. Visibility of less than 1/4 miles away.

An ice storm occurs most often when the air temperatures is at or just above freezing (32-38 degrees) Ice storms can be extremely dangerous because the freezing rain makes an icy glaze on roads and other outdoor surface. Since the ice is often hard to see, you need to take extreme precautions while walking during an ice storm. You should avoid driving during an ice storm whenever possible.

A severe storm is defined as one that produces six inches or more of snow in 48 hours or less, or damaging ice over 5,000 square miles.

Know the Terms:

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:

• Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
• Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
• Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.
• Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
• Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
• Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.         

Do not overexert yourself when outdoors in the cold weather.   The American Heart Association says the strenuous activity of shoveling snow can take a toll on your body and can actually increase your chances of having a heart attack. Even if you think you are ok, someone else may experience difficulties.  t is a good idea to take an American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED course to learn life saving skills in case of an emergency.  You should also reach out to an elderly neighbor to make sure they do not need any assistance during a storm.

Tips During Winter Storms & Extreme Cold.

Winterize Your Home.

Tormentas invernals (Ready.gov; Spanish version, Winter Weather)

Summer

Heat waves can be as challenging and as deadly as any other natural disaster. You can best weather these times through pre-season preparation and the right knowledge.

Heat Wave: Period of extreme heat, usually accompanied by high humidity.
Heat Index: The relative humidity added to the air temperature (how hot it feels).
Heat Cramps: Muscle pains due to exertion (the first sign of heat-related problems).
Heat Exhaustion: A mild form of shock brought on by strenuous activity in the heat.
Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition occurring when the body’s temperature control system shuts down. Brain damage or death can result if the body is not cooled at once.

• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible and in the shade if you go outside.

• If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air conditioned mall, library, or other public space.

• Wear sunscreen outside, along with light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

• Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty.

• Never leave children or pets alone in the car.

• Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day.

• Take a cool shower or bath.

Visit the Keep Illinois Cool Website, which allows users to search for nearby Illinois State facility cooling centers.

Evanston community members are welcome to spend time cooling off at City of Evanston public facilities during their regular operating hours.  Click the links below for days/hours/locations:

Evanston Public Library. 

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department facilities office hours.