South Chicago Heights Moves Forward On Warming Center Plans

The committee charged with looking into the possibility of turning the South Chicago Heights into an emergency warming center – if ever the need arises – will hold two crucial meetings this month.

The committee will be meeting this week with Carrier Electric “to see if we can bring over the generator” that could be made available for this purpose and install it in the Senior Center, said Committee member and Trustee Michael Tilton at the March 7 Village Board of Trustees meeting.

Village officials decided after last month’s snow event to investigate whether or not the center can be used as a warming shelter. A generator would have to be installed because currently there is not one on-site, but officials said one might be available to the town. The cost of a new generator would be between $20,000 and $25,000.

The committee will also meet within the month with the Red Cross, Fire Chief Larry Nardoni said. A warming center would also require resources, such as blankets, pillows and cots.

Committee member will be meeting with Red Cross officials “to find out what they can do for us” in terms of preparing for an emergency, Nardoni said.

The Senior Center is located at 3140 Enterprise Drive. It offers, among other services, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings every other month.