Winter Emergency Resources & Services

Health Department Services For Residents

Medical Services: Immunizations for influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia during flu season. Medical provider available twice a week for acute and chronic health issues. 

Heat-Related Issues: Health inspectors assist with heat-related complaints during winter.

Contact Information: Call (708) 656-3600 ext. 147 OR Email: healthclinic@thetownofcicero.com OR Visit Their Website: www.healthcicero.com

Emergency Heat Program For Homeowners

Is your furnace working properly. Here's what to do

 

Is Your Furnace Not Working This Winter? Don’t worry, the Town of Cicero Department Of Housing Is Here To Help! Town President Larry Dominick proudly introduces the Emergency Heat Program for Cicero residents.

Program Duration: Now through May 1st. Administered by The Town Of Cicero Department Of Housing

Eligibility: You live in a single-family or 2-unit property in Cicero. Your household income is at or below the threshold listed in our income limit chart. You’re currently having no heat due to a defective heating unit.

Income Limit Chart: 1 Person ($70,600). 2 Persons ($79,450). 3 Persons ($88,250). 4 Persons ($95,350). 5 Persons ($102,400). 6 Persons ($109,450). 7 Persons ($116,500).

How It Works: Contact the Cicero Department of Housing first to see if you qualify for the Emergency Heat Program. If you do, a technician will be sent to your home within 24 hours to repair or replace the heating unit, and we cover costs up to $4,999.00!

Location: Town Of Cicero Department Of Housing (1634 S. Laramie Ave). 

Emergency Heat Program Phone Line: (708) 616-2586 or (708) 714-4695 

Available 7 days a week. If we do not answer, leave a message. Please allow up to 8 hours for a response.

Winter Holiday Fire Safety

 

Did You Know? Nearly half of holiday decoration fires are caused by decorations that are too close to a heat source.

Decorating for the winter holidays adds to the festive spirit, but it’s important to do so safely. Holiday decorations can unexpectedly increase the risk of a home fire. Here’s how you can deck the halls while being fire smart:

Fire Safety Tips For Holiday Decorations: Before putting up holiday lights, check each year for frayed or pinched wires. Discard any damaged strands to prevent fire risks. If you have a real Christmas tree, water it daily. A dry tree is more susceptible to catching fire. Opt for battery-operated flameless candles. They mimic the look and scent of real candles without the fire risk. If you prefer real candles, ensure they are placed in stable holders and kept where they can’t be knocked over.

By following these simple precautions, you can enjoy a festive and fire-safe holiday season.

For more detailed information and access to free-fire safety resources, visit www.usfa.fema.gov

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind.

Put A Freeze On Winter Holiday Fires

 

The winter holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but it’s important to remember that holiday decorations can increase the risk of home fires. Stay safe and enjoy the season by being fire smart with these tips:

Key Statistics To Remember: Half of all home decoration fires in December are started by candles. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable. December 25th is the day with the highest number of candle fires. More than 1 in every 5 Christmas tree fires are caused by a heat source too close to the tree.

Safety Tips: Place your tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, or heat vents, and ensure the tree does not block exits. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands you can connect. Dispose of your Christmas tree after the holidays or when it is dry. December 30th is a good reminder to take out the tree.

Be Proactive: A dry Christmas tree can burn faster than newspaper. Ensure your tree is well-watered to prevent a rapid and devastating fire. 

For more information on how to prevent winter fires and safe holiday decoration practices, please visit www.nfpa.org/holiday

Remember, a little caution ensures a happy and safe holiday season for everyone.

Put A Freeze On Winter Fires

 

Winter brings the highest risk for home fires. Keep your home safe and warm with these essential fire safety tips:

Crucial Fire Safety Statistics: Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. 1 in every 7 home fires and 1 in every 5 home fire deaths involve heating equipment.

Vital Safety Measures: Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters. Always operate portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far from your home as possible to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month to detect any dangerous emissions. Plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time to prevent overloading. Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year to ensure they are free of obstructions and in good working condition. Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby buildings.

Be Prepared And Stay Informed: For more tips and information on preventing winter fires, visit: usfa.fema.gov/winter OR www. nfpa.org/winter

Stay vigilant and warm this winter without the chill of fire hazards.

Heating Fire Safety: Tips For A Fire-Safe Home

 

As the cold weather sets in, it’s vital to keep your home warm and safe. Here are essential tips to prevent heating-related fires this winter:

Space Heater Safety: Keep all flammable materials like bedding, clothing, and curtains at least 3 feet away from the heater. Use heaters with an automatic shut-off so they turn off if tipped over. Always turn off heaters when leaving a room or going to bed. Connect portable heaters directly into outlets, not into extension cords or power strips. Choose portable heaters that have been tested and certified by a recognized laboratory.

Fireplace Precautions: Use a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks or embers. Never burn paper in your fireplace. Extinguish the fire before sleeping or leaving home, and place ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside and away from the house.

Wood Stove Guidelines: Maintain a 3-foot clearance around the wood stove. Burn only wood, and make sure to extinguish the fire before sleep or departure. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.

Furnace Upkeep: Get your furnace checked each year to ensure it’s in good working condition. Keep any combustible items well away from your furnace. 

Kerosene Heater Usage: Use only kerosene heaters recognized by a certified laboratory. Ensure the heater has an automatic shut-off mechanism. Always refuel a cooled heater outside to prevent fire hazards.

For more in-depth information and access to free resources on fire safety, visit usfa.fema.gov

Stay warm, stay safe, and ensure your heating methods are secure this winter season!

Support For Pets

Animal Welfare & Control is available daily, 8 a.m.-11 p.m., including holidays. For immediate assistance, contact the police non-emergency number, not the shelter facility. 

Warming Centers

All Government Buildings serve as Warming Centers during operating hours. The purpose is for short-term warming up or arranging alternative housing in heat-related emergencies. In extreme cold, the town may offer additional accommodations at the PSO Building.

Locations: Town Hall Lobby (4949 W. Cermak Road). Cicero Police Department Lobby (4929 W. Cermak Road). Public Safety Building (5410 W. 34th Street). All Fire Departments.

Other Town Winter Services By Public Works

Plowing and salting streets, shoveling corners on major roads. Shoveling the Laramie bridge sidewalk. All year-round services except street sweeping and, weather permitting, graffiti removal. 

The Town also provides extensive snow removal services for Senior Citizens who live in the Town of Cicero and are 62 years of age and older and are members of the Town of Cicero Senior Center and registered with the Town of Cicero Sebior Services Department.