Warming Centers Open in Illinois During Cold Snap

Illinois officials say residents can take refuge at more than 120 warming centers, as bitter cold settles over the state.

The Illinois Department of Human Services says the other centers are located at IDHS offices throughout the state and will be open during regular business hours.

The warming center locations include: 801 N. Walnut St. and 1307 N. Mattis Ave. in Champaign; 707 E. Wood St. in Decatur; 220 S. Bowman Ave. in Danville; 207 E. Ficklin in Tuscola; 11773 Illinois Highway 1 in Paris; 806 E. Walnut St. in Watseka; 501 W. Washington in Bloomington; 119 W. State St. in Charleston

Warming centers will also open at the seven Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area.

IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler says the centers are a safe place to stay for people who need a warm place to go or who cannot afford to turn up the heat during the day.

A list of participating centers is available at www.keepwarm.illinois.gov.