Health Department to Close Non-Essential Services Wednesday and Thursday Due to Extreme Cold

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For Immediate Release
Date: January 29, 2019
Contact: Brian Louie
blouie@lakecountyil.gov
(847) 377-8356

 

Health Department to Close Non-Essential Services Wednesday and Thursday Due to Extreme Cold

Waukegan, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center will close all non-essential programming and services on Wednesday, January 30 and Thursday, January 31 due to extreme cold temperatures and windchills forecasted to impact the Lake County area.

“Our main concern is the health and safety of our patients and clients who rely on walking or taking public transportation to arrive at our facilities,” said Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. “We also want to assure that our employees remain safe and healthy in order to continue serving our residents.”

The following select essential programming at the Health Department will remain open during the emergency closing:

  • Addictions Treatment Program (ATP)
  • Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA)
  • Crisis Care Program (CCP) / Respite
  • Mental Health Group Home
  • Women’s Residential Services (WRS)

Wind chills between -45 to -55 degrees and temperatures significantly below zero are expected. Temperatures this cold can cause frostbite to exposed skin in as little as five minutes and can cause other life-threatening situations. The Health Department joins other Lake County agencies in a decision to close after careful evaluation of these dangerous conditions. Ultimately, the safety of community members and employees outweighs the inconvenience of a minor disruption in services. Closing government offices will keep additional people off the road, hopefully easing the burden on emergency responders who will be working around the clock to keep community members safe during this extreme weather event.

The Health Department encourages all residents to dress appropriately if they must go outside and to keep pets and animals indoors. For information on warming center locations, snow plow operations, and safety tips, Lake County has created a webpage for residents to access. The Health Department also recommends following the National Weather Service for the latest weather updates. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

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Lake County Health Department
3010 Grand Avenue
Waukegan, Illinois 60085
(847) 377-8000