Cook County Offers Residents Safety Tips During High Wind Warning

Emergency Management

A high wind warning will be in effect for Cook County beginning 6 p.m. tonight until 9 a.m. Thursday with wind gusts of up to 60 mph expected. Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security offers the following tips to keep residents safe:

  • Secure outdoor holiday decorations.
  • Bring loose items – like patio furniture, potted plants and toys – indoors.
  • If items are too large to bring indoors, make sure to anchor them so that they do not pose a hazard to people or property.
  • Close and secure all doors and windows in your home or business. A strong wind can rip them from their hinges.
  • Stay indoors if possible.
  • If you must travel, watch for flying debris. Tree limbs can break, and street signs can come loose.
  • Take extra caution if you are in a high-profile vehicle like a truck or SUV. These types of vehicles are more likely to be pushed or even flip in high winds.
  • If you see a downed power line:
    • Call 9-1-1 and your local utility company’s emergency line immediately.
    • Do not touch anything that the power line is coming into contact with including tree branches and vehicles.

If a power line falls on your vehicle, stay inside your vehicle and do not touch any part of the metal frame.

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Natalia Derevyanny
natalia.derevyanny@cookcountyil.gov

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