UPDATE MARCH 5, 2013: Parents and caregivers have been notified that schools are closed in School Districts 203 and 204 on Tues., March 5.  That means activities and after-school events that take place in school buildings likely will be canceled.

Also, Naperville Park District activities and programs scheduled in advance of 2PM are canceled.

All three Naperville Public Library buildings – Nichols, Naper Boulevard and the 95th Street Library – will close today at 3PM and will reopen Wednesday at 9AM.

Stay tuned to your school district and the park district to see if the changing weather forecast changes activities that begin after 3PM.

UPDATE MARCH 4, 2013:  Tomorrow’s Tuesday and the weather forecast predicts another winter storm beginning in the middle of the night could dump between 5 and 8 inches of snow on Chicago and the suburbs. Snow likely will continue throughout the day and evening on Tuesday with some blowing.  Flurries could continue on Wednesday.

Also note that as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, taking place from now through March 9, a statewide tornado drill was originally scheduled for 10AM Tues., March 5. Due to anticipated heavy snowfall in northern Illinois on March 5; the state has decided to postpone the tornado drill until 10AM Wed., March 6.

As such, Naperville’s outdoor warning sirens will sound at 10AM on Wed., March 6 for the purposes of this tornado drill. All residents and businesses are encouraged to participate.

UPDATE FEB. 26, 2013:  Because of inclement weather, the Naperville Park District and both School Districts 203 and 204 canceled after-school programs and events for the evening. The heavy wet snow continues in the forecast with temperatures hovering around freezing. Tomorrow likely will be breezy with some snow under overcast skies and a couple degrees warmer.  Today kids walking home from school enjoyed packing snow and rolling snowballs,  pitching a few in the slush. Thanks to all for shoveling sidewalks.  Thanks to city crews for clearing roads during snow events. Many folks like to bundle up and walk their dogs, even in winter, so clear sidewalks and roads are deeply appreciated.  Watch out for pedestrians as sidewalks still can be slippery when wet. Drive carefully. Tomorrow is another day.

UPDATE FEB. 25, 2013:  A winter storm alert is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by flurries and light snow until this weekend. Ever since Winter Preparedness Month in November 2012, the City of Naperville has reminded all residents to educate themselves on how to remain safe during winter weather events.  A winter storm watch is predicted beginning Feb. 26, targeting the Chicago area with wind and rain in the morning, followed by snow in the afternoon.  Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 30s, with winds NE at 20 to 30 mph. Snow accumulation could be 1 to 4 inches.

Forecasts such as this one are reasons to be grateful that the City of Naperville has most of its power lines buried.

“Last year, Naperville experienced a milder winter than normal,” Emergency Management Coordinator Dan Nelson said earlier this year as the city anticipated freezing rain and possible power outages.

“However, we cannot allow one season of very limited snowfall to make us complacent about preparing in the event of a winter weather emergency. One of my largest concerns would be a winter ice storm causing a prolonged power outage. I encourage everyone to create an emergency plan, including a winter storm survival kit for their home and vehicle, prior to the onset of winter weather,” Nelson added.

The City offers the following tips to stay safe during winter storms:

• Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
• Have disaster supplies, such as a flashlight, portable radio, first aid kit, adequate supply of medications and three-day supply of food and water, available in case the power goes out. Stay indoors and dress warmly.
• Conserve fuel.
• If pipes freeze, remove any insulation and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold.
• If you must go outdoors during inclement weather, dress warmly and wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people and people with special needs. Prior to the onset of winter weather, make sure your vehicle is prepared for weather extremes.
• Check tires, brakes, the battery and your heating and defrosting systems.
• Change anti-freeze if needed. If your car is covered with ice and snow, be sure all windows and lights are cleared before driving. Also, keep your gas tank half full at all times during inclement weather.
• Keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

A full list of tips can be found in the City’s Emergency Preparedness Guide, which is available on the City’s website at www.naperville.il.us/emergencyprepguide.aspx. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has developed a preparedness document that includes valuable information about how to prepare a winter storm survival car kit, driving safety tips and how to prepare yourself and your loved ones for a winter storm. This document, along with winter advisory terminology and storm tips from the American Red Cross, is available to view at http://ready.illinois.gov/during/winterstorms.htm.

The City utilizes a variety of communication methods to inform residents and businesses about emergency situations such as winter weather events. Ways to stay connected with the City in these instances include: City website www.naperville.il.us City Facebook/Twitter accounts at www.facebook.com/NapervilleIL and http://twitter.com/NapervilleIL Government access TV station WCNC (Ch. 6 – WOW, Ch. 10 – Comcast and Ch. 99 – AT&T) Informational radio station WPFP 1610AM

Warming Centers

During normal business hours, Monday through Friday, residents can seek shelter from winter weather elements at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

Other shelters are available at the following locations: county administrative buildings, libraries, park district facilities, senior centers, shopping malls, township offices and many other public places. For more information on winter weather, including terminology, warning and advisory criteria and snowfall statistics,  visit the National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville winter weather webpage at www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/?n=winter.

PN Photo from 2010 is a reminder never to feed wildlife unnatural foodstuffs such as stale bread or snack chips. February is Wild Bird Feeding Month.