Warming centers available in DeKalb County to cut the cold

As temperatures continue to be brisk throughout the week, local officials are reminding residents of several locations where they can go for free to stay warm this winter.

People are asked to contact the facilities of choice before traveling to them to ensure room is available, especially on holidays and during severe weather events.

According to the National Weather Service, DeKalb County remains under a hazardous weather outlook, with rain and a limited severe thunderstorm risk possible Friday, which could bring high winds up to 45 mph through Saturday afternoon.

Rain Friday could turn into snow, though no accumulation is expected.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low 20s at night and a high of 45 Friday, with a high of 38 Saturday.

Here are the following locations in DeKalb and Sycamore:

In DeKalb:

• DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., 815-756-3568 (Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; 9 a.n. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday)
• DeKalb Park District, Hopkins Park Community Center, 1403 Sycamore Road, 815-758-6663 (Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed weekends)
• DeKalb Salvation Army Community Center, 830 Grove St., 815-756-4308 (Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed weekends)
• Christ Community Church, 2350 Pride Ave., 815-787-6161 (Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closed Friday through Sunday)

The number of people allowed inside each warming center may be limited by COVID-19 occupancy restrictions and social distancing requirements. Face coverings are required.

To request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering because of the extreme weather, call the DeKalb Police Department any time at 815-748-8400.

Landlords must provide heat to residential buildings to maintain a room temperature of at least 68 degrees between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. and at least 62 degrees at other times, per city of DeKalb Municipal Code, Chapter 24 Building Code, Section 602. To report inadequate heat in a residential building, call 815-748-2070 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call 815-739-0745 after hours.

To find the closest warming center, call 815-748-8460 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In Sycamore, the warming centers are located at:

• Sycamore Police Department, 535 DeKalb Ave., open 24 hours every day

• Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St., open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday