Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 2026
City of East Chicago Fire Department / Emergency Management

WARMING SHELTER OPEN
East Chicago — The City of East Chicago Fire Department / Emergency Management advises that due to the extreme cold weather, Riley Hall, located at Riley Park (1005 E. Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, Indiana), will be designated as a “Warming Shelter.”
Riley Hall will continue to be open from January 31st, 2026 at 4 pm - February 1st, 2026 at 8 am due to inclement weather.

Safety Rules for the warming shelter:

• To ensure safety at the warming shelter all bags will be checked upon arrival.
• Drug or Alcohol Paraphernalia will not be permitted in the shelter.
• No violent activity or fighting permitted in or around the premiss.
• If you see something, say something, we are here to make sure everyone is safe and warm in the midst of this weather

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at https://www.epa.gov/snep/winter-coming-and-it-tons-salt-our-roads for recommendations.
• Sand to improve traction.
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home, and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Create a Family Communications Plan. Your family may be separated during a disaster, so it’s important to know how to contact one another, how to reunite, and what to do in an emergency.
• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

• Stay indoors during the storm.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can cause heart attacks—a major cause of winter deaths. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• Watch for signs of frostbite, such as loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities (fingers, toes, earlobes, nose tip). Seek medical help immediately if symptoms are detected.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia, such as uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness, or exhaustion. If detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the body center first, and provide warm non-alcoholic beverages if conscious. Seek medical help as soon as possible.
• Drive only if absolutely necessary. If driving: 
  • Travel during the day and avoid traveling alone.
  • Inform others of your schedule.
  • Stick to main roads and avoid shortcuts.
• Let someone know your destination, route, and expected arrival time. If your car gets stuck, this ensures help can follow your predetermined route.
• If pipes freeze, remove insulation or newspaper layers and wrap pipes in rags. Open all faucets and pour hot water over pipes, starting where they are most exposed.
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to prevent toxic fumes. Refuel heaters outside and keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects.
• Conserve fuel by keeping your residence cooler and temporarily closing off unneeded rooms.
• If leaving your home during cold weather, keep the heat set to no lower than 55°F.

• Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in layers. Stay indoors if possible.