January 24, 2019 -- A Wind Chill Advisory is in Effect in Lake County from 6 PM this evening until January 25 at 12 PM. Very low wind chills of -20 to -30 are expected. Low wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Warming centers are available for those in need.
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. Cots have been setup at the Police Department for anyone seeking relief from the cold weather. Pets may be brought to the Police Department but must be crated.
Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, is open to residents as a warming center during the following hours:
Wednesday and Thursday - 5:00 AM through 9:45 PM
Friday - 5:00 AM through 7:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday - 6:30 AM through 7:30 PM
Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, is open to residents as a warming center 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
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.
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.
In order to prevent frozen pipes, residents without power are encouraged to run a small trickle of water on all water fixtures in your home. Please also 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 have caused 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.
Traffic Conditions
City Public Works crews continue snow and ice operations. Under normal snowfall conditions, three-inch or less, all public streets are plowed within the first six hours. However, it is important to note that initial snow removal operations are staged simultaneously throughout the City and that multiple plowing passes along streets are required to move the snow to the curb. Response times can vary and may be extended depending on the magnitude, duration, and timing of winter storm. Regardless, snow removal operations will continue until all public streets are passable and all parking areas have been cleared.
Drivers are asked to continue using caution by slowing down and leaving extra space between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of you as black ice may occur on roads during winter weather conditions. Traffic conditions throughout Lake County can be found online at Lake County Passage.
Sidewalks
The City maintains approximately 120 miles of public sidewalk. For every snow event, the City plows high pedestrian select sidewalk areas such as in and around train stations and schools, the Central and Ravinia Business Districts, parking garage entrances, and public facilities.
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.
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 also continue to check the City's website at www.cityhpil.com for updates.You may also view the City's Snow and Ice Control Manual for specific details on operations.