The Weather Outside Is Frightful

It may or may not be Stormageddon, but it surely will be unpleasant for a couple days, with blizzard-like snowfall, 40mph winds, and temperatures in the single digits.

Now imagine spending the storm outside in the elements.

Many of the people who live on Uptown's streets don't have the mental capacity to decide to go inside.  If you see someone hunkering down on the streets or in the park, please call 311 and request a well-being check so a city worker can come out in a warming van and try to convince them to come inside.  If the person looks to be in distress, call 911.

From the City:  "The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) will operate three 24 hour centers, including North Area [4740 N Sheridan] ... beginning on Wednesday at 7 a.m. through Thursday at 5 p.m.  All other centers will be open during regular hours of operation.  With more than 4,000 beds in 60 shelters across the city, and the capacity to add more beds as needed, there is no reason for anyone to sleep outdoors. Call 311 for assistance or transportation."

Watch out for elderly or infirm neighbors, use common sense, and stay indoors if possible, particularly during the worst of the storm, which is predicted to be Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.