Officials Urge Cold Weather Precautions as Temperatures Stay Bitterly Low

ROCHELLE – Officials across the state are urging residents to take precautions as bitterly cold temperatures grip the area. While conditions are not expected to reach the record low of -37 degrees recorded at Rochelle Airport in 2009, current temperatures are already cold enough to require caution at home and on the road. Cold weather increases the risk of house fires from fireplaces or space heaters. Residents with plumbing on exterior walls should keep water running slowly and leave cabinet doors open to prevent pipes from freezing. Vehicles should be stocked with emergency supplies and blankets, and if stranded, drivers should run their engine about 10 minutes per hour with a window slightly open to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.