Severe Weather

Warming and Cooling Centers

The Warrenville Park District Recreation Center, located at 3S260 Warren Avenue, can be utilized as a cooling or warming center during regular business hours, which are: 

Friday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

(Due to COVID-19, please verify current hours/restrictions by calling the Park District at:  630-393-7279)

Locate a warming center in DuPage County at this link: DuPage County Warming Centers (CRIS)

Weather Radios
The best way to keep current on weather conditions is through a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio. NOAA weather radios can be purchased at retail stores or online, and activate to provide immediate information about life-threatening events, giving extra time to prepare and evacuate.

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting 24/7 weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.  NWR broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of natural and environmental hazards, and public safety alerts.

Severe Summer Weather: Watches, Warnings, and What to do

TORNADO WATCH:  weather conditions are right for a tornado to form.  Listen to local radio and television stations for weather updates through the end of the warning.  Have flashlights, charged phones, a weather radio, water, and a designated family shelter area planned in the event the watch turn into a warning.  

TORNADO WARNING:  a tornado has been spotted, be prepared to take cover.   Pay attention to where it was seen, the direction of travel, and the time period the warning lasts.  If Warrenville is in the tornado’s path of travel, the outdoor warning sirens will sound  for three minutes.  Immediately take shelter

What to do During a Tornado - Ready.gov website 

IN A HOME:  the basement offers the greatest safety. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture or stairway or in the center of the house on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom. Stay away from windows. DO NOT go to the southwest corner of the basement of the building. In an office building, go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor or to the designated shelter area of the building. 

IN A SCHOOL:  go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor. If the building is not of reinforced construction, go to a nearby building that is, or take cover outside on low, protected ground. Stay out of auditoriums, gymnasiums and other structures with wide, free roof spans. 

IN A SHOPPING CENTER:  go to a designated shelter area (not a vehicle). 

IN OPEN COUNTRY OR WHEN CAMPING:  move away from the tornado’s path at right angles. If there is no time to escape, lie flat in the nearest ditch or ravine. Stay out from under large trees, branches and high power lines. Many campgrounds have designated shelter areas; be aware of their locations prior to severe storms.

Lightning and Thunderstorms - Lightning Safety Brochure (PDF)

Thunderstorms and the accompanying lightning is dangerous. According to the National Weather Service, lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States. NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.  If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.

  • When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter. Safe shelter includes either a substantial building with electricity or plumbing, or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder. 
  • Once indoors, avoid sources of electricity. Stay off corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity. Avoid water sources as it is a conductor of electricity (sinks, baths, showers, and faucets. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.  Many concrete walls and floors contain metal reinforcement, and metal may conduct electricity.

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk: 

  • Get Low:  Immediately get off elevated areas like hills, mountain ridges or peaks
  • Make yourself as small as possible:  Crouch down, with both feet on the ground. Never lie flat on the ground or shelter under an isolated tree.
  • Get out and away from water immediately (pools, ponds, lakes, etc.)

Residents can also take shelter at shopping malls, township offices, county administrative buildings, and other public places.

Severe Winter Weather

Before a winter storm or the extreme cold hits, do the following:

  • Gather emergency supplies for work, home, and vehicle - enough for at least 3 days
  • Winterize the home
  • Protect water pipes
  • Prepare the vehicle for the winter and keep an emergency kit for you and your vehicle readied

During a winter storm and extreme cold do the following:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible
  • Remember to check on the elderly / home-bound
  • When using an alternative heat source from a fireplace, stove heater, etc., ensure proper ventilation
  • Eat to supply heat to the body, and drink to avoid dehydration
  • When outside, dress in several lighter layers, and avoid overheating
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
  • Do not travel. If a trip cannot be delayed, consider using public transportation
  • While in using a vehicle, travel during daylight hours and don’t travel alone
  • Carry a winter storm survival kit, which should contain a blankets/sleeping bag, flashlight (with extra batteries), first aid kit, knife, high calorie, hydrated nonperishable foods, extra clothing, large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes, smaller can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, sack of sand or cat litter, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, tow rope, jumper cables, water container, compass and road map.