Douglas Pollock President at Village of Riverside | Official website
Douglas Pollock President at Village of Riverside | Official website
The Village of Riverside and Cook County have issued a set of guidelines to help residents stay safe and warm during cold weather. The recommendations focus on home heating safety, protecting pipes from freezing, and seeking emergency assistance when needed.
Residents are advised against using ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Space heaters should be used with caution, ensuring they are not left unattended or running while sleeping. Renters experiencing heating issues should report them immediately to property managers, as village ordinances require rental units to maintain specific minimum temperatures during the heating season.
To prevent frozen pipes, residents should keep garage doors closed if water supply lines are present, open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms for air circulation around plumbing, and let faucets drip cold water in extreme cold conditions. It is also recommended to maintain a consistent thermostat setting day and night and leave the heat on when away from home.
For urgent issues like burst pipes, residents can contact WC3, the Village's Consolidated Dispatch Center, at 708-853-1384 outside regular business hours.
These measures aim to protect homes and ensure the well-being of residents during periods of extreme cold.