Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:
Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Prepare your home and family
Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.


Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.


Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.


Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.


Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.


Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).


Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.


Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Prepare your car
Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:


Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.


Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.


Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.


Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.


Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.


Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.


Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.


Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.


Thermostat - ensure it works properly.


Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.


Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.


Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.


Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:

a shovel
windshield scraper and small broom
flashlight
battery powered radio
extra batteries
water
snack food
matches
extra hats, socks and mittens
First aid kit with pocket knife
Necessary medications
blanket(s)
tow chain or rope
road salt and sand
booster cables
emergency flares
fluorescent distress flag
Dress for the Weather
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.


Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.


Wear a hat.


Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs

Winter Assistance Programs



Chicago Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
The Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) of Cook County
provides utility assistance grants to income-eligible households to assist with the
payment of both primary heat and secondary utility services.

Administered by the Community Economice Development Association of Cook County (CEDA)
Open enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2006
Eligible up to 150% of poverty
Can apply once every 12 months
Cannot have outstanding balance greater $3,000
Must have active utility account
Reconnection service available, however, applicant will be required to pay a portion of the outstanding balance

To apply call (312) 571-CEDA for the closest agency
Program Link/Eligibility Guidelines
LIHEAP Brochure - English
LIHEAP Brochure - Spanish

Good Samaritan Program:

Local gas companies allow low-income customers to get their heat reconnected by paying 20% of their past-due amount, or $250, whichever is less.
To qualify for this program, a utility customer must have an annual income that does not
exceed LIHEAP program guidelines. Peoples Energy, Nicor Gas, Mid American Energy, and Ameren are participating in the program.

Administered by the utility provider
Funded by Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's Office from the Good Samaritan Trust Fund
Enrollment begins Dec. 1, 2006
Applicants must be LIHEAP eligible (see CEDA eligibility guidelines)
Can only apply once every 12 months
Must have disconnected utility service
To apply, contact your local utility provider

Share the Warmth:

This program provides up to $200 in assistance, per household,
to eligible customers experiencing difficulties paying their gas heating bills.
People Energy matches contributions, up to $125,000 each year.

Administered by the Salvation Army and Peoples Energy
Must have active Peoples Energy account
To apply, call the Salvation Army at (773) 725-1100 Program Link/Eligibility Guidelines

Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP):

This program provides
comprehensive home weatherization including insulation, air sealing, and furnace repair.

Administered by the Community Economic Development Association of Cook Count (CEDA)
Same eligibility as LIHEAP (see CEDA eligibility guidelines)
Not eligible if you have received this assitance since 1993

In Chicago , call CEDA at (312) 795-8998 Program Link/Eligibility Guidelines
Visit the website below for this information as well as to get linked to the City of Chicago Dept. of Environment:

From:

staterep-constance-a-howard@comcast.net