UPTOWN — It's cold out there, so brace yourself, be prepared — and know what's not open in the 'hood so you don't leave the (hopefully) warm confines of your home for a destination that's shuttered because of potentially life-threatening cold.
Welcome to "Chiberia," Uptown.
Closings and Cancellations
Chicago Public Schools canceled classes Monday at all CPS schools.
Ald. James Cappleman (46th) canceled a zoning and development meeting with community residents that had been scheduled for Monday. He made the announcement in a newsletter sent out Sunday, telling constituents his ward office would keep them posted about a rescheduled date.
Popular restaurant Sun Wah BBQ, 5035 N. Broadway, announced on its Facebook Page that it would be closed on Monday with plans to re-open on Tuesday.
Uptown Bikes, 4653 N. Broadway, and Shake Rattle & Read, one of Uptown's longest standing businesses will be closed due to extreme weather, according to a Facebook post by Uptown's Chamber of Commerce. The chamber said it would update residents about other closings on its Facebook page.
Ric Addy, the owner of Shake Rattle & Read, the used book and record store at 4812 N. Broadway, said that he would try to reopen it on Tuesday, contingent on the weather.
"Hang in there everyone — Friday will be in the mid-30's and feel like summer!" Addy joked.
How To Survive 'Chiberia'
A city warming center is located at 845 W. Wilson Ave. People who can't make it to a warming center for whatever reason can call 311 for help.
If you see somebody sleeping outside, you can call 311 and request a well-being check for them.
Cappleman told constituents via an email that "this is also the time to be aware of your neighbors on your block who may need special attention."
"Many residents who rely on wheelchairs and walkers experience serious difficulty with navigating the sidewalks when it snows," said the email. "If your business or home is near a crosswalk, please shovel so that they can safely cross the street."
Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) also issued safety recommendations to his constituents, some of whom reside in Uptown. He advised people to keep their cell phones charged, stay in contact with family and check up on older "or more frail neighbors and family members and assist as necessary." He also cautioned people to be careful with electric space heaters, candles and to not heat their homes with their ovens.
Pawar's message reminded people that "landlords must keep apartments heated to 66 degrees at night and 68 degrees during the day," and advised them to call 311 if any heating issues come up that landlords don't handle once contacted.
If you do venture outside — don't forget the basics: leg warmers and tights, hats, scarves, gloves, a good winter coat and as many layers as it takes to stay warm and keep your skin from exposure.
Oh, by the way: Crew Bar and Grill is helping Uptown residents stay warm who are brave enough to make the trek to the business at 4804 N. Broadway with discounted $4 "Winter Warmer" drinks, including Bailey's Coffee, "Adults Only" Hot Chocolate sweetened with whipped cream flavored vodka and Irish Coffee with "a kick of Jameson Irish whiskey."
