Deep freeze hovers over Chicagoland area

February 19, 2006 (WLS) -- The city of Chicago's five warming centers and shelters are in full swing Sunday as thousands of people, many of them homeless, rushed to get off the frigid streets this weekend.

"All we can do is dress warm," said Frank Sebasta, homeless. "In the cold you need food and shelter, so it's important," said Edward Triplett Sr., homeless.

All city departments are on alert. A joint command center has been activated to deal with cold-weather emergencies. The city is using its 911 callback system to reach out to at-risk residents.

"We've sent out a scripted message warning them about extreme cold....by calling 311," said Andrew Velazquez, exec. dir. OEMC.

"We did 11 well-being checks and we placed 66 people into shelters. We don't want people to be out...don't want them to suffer from exposure," said Acting Cmsr. Sheryl McGill, Dept. of Human Services.

Nearly all of the city's 5,400 shelter beds were in use Saturday night, but many stayed on the streets.

"A lot of it is freedom and independence. Some don't want the rules and restrictions. It's understandable, but on a night like this, even those folks will be forced to seek some type of shelter," said Pastor Phil Kwiatkowski, Pacific Garden Mission.

Human Services Commissioner Sheryl McGill said her department runs five warming centers, including one at 10 S. Kedzie Ave., which will be open 24 hours a day through Monday. Park District facilities and public libraries also will provide shelter this weekend.

City officials remind residents to be good neighbors and relatives and check on loved one whose might need extra help this weekend. The city is offering to conduct well-being checks and you can alert them by calling 3-1-1.

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