At times, Kane County experiences extreme heat and cold weather conditions. It is important to be aware of weather-related illnesses and prepare to keep safe.
Current Watches, Warnings & Advisories for Illinois Issued by National Weather Service
Tornado Safety and Emergency Plans
Cold Weather Safety
DO:
Know the terms: Winter Storm Warning, Blizzard Warning, and Snow Squall Warning - all signal dangerous conditions.
Stay warm: prepare your home with safe heating, insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.
Stock up on food, water, and medicine before storms.
Dress properly outdoors, covering areas prone to frostbite.
Plan where you can go if your home gets too cold.
Use multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
Protect pipes by letting faucets drip during freezes.
Prepare your vehicle with an emergency kit, maintenance, and a full gas tank.
DON’T:
Travel unless necessary asemergency services may be limited.
Run generators indoors; keep them 20 feet from the house and use CO detectors.
Overexert yourself when shoveling or walking in snow.
Bottom line: Don’t delay. Have a family cold-weather plan ready.
Hot Weather Safety
DO:
Stay in air-conditioned places (home, malls, libraries).
Use fans to move hot air out or draw cooler air in.
Take cool baths or showers.
Limit sun exposure.
Drink plenty of water and other nonalcoholic fluids.
Eat light, cool foods (fruit, salads).
Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
Check on older or vulnerable people.
Know heat-illness symptoms and how to respond.
Dress children in light clothing and keep their heads shaded.
Keep pets hydrated with water in shaded areas.
DON’T:
Aim fans directly at yourself when temperatures exceed 90°F.
Leave children or pets in cars, ever.
Drink alcohol to stay cool.
Eat heavy, hot, or hard-to-digest meals.
Wear heavy or dark clothing.
Leave infants, children, or pets in parked cars.
Bottom line: Stay cool, stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and check on those who may need extra help.
The Kane County Health Department, Kane County Office of Emergency Management, and Kane County Animal Control monitor extreme heat conditions in the County and will take action based on alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).
