Extreme Cold Safety

After this Saturday's snowfall, bitterly cold conditions will arrive, with wind chills Saturday night falling into the -15 to -30 F range. Wind chills Sunday will likely remain below zero all day.

Please follow these important weather safety tips:

General Information

• Minimize travel.
• Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
• Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
• Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
• Check on the elderly.
• Bring pets inside.

How Should I Dress?

• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

Adopt-a-Hydrant

The Village of Deerfield has a program to ensure that firefighters can access fire hydrants during an emergency. In the winter months, heavy snowfall makes finding and accessing fire hydrants difficult for firefighters, and during an emergency every second counts. The Village is asking residents, business owners, and community groups to consider participating in the Adopt-A-Hydrant Program. Participants get to name their hydrant to show their commitment to public safety.

Participation in the Adopt-A-Hydrant Program involves the following:

• Making sure the adopted fire hydrant is clearly visible from the street.
• Keeping the fire hydrant free of snow and ice. Snowfall and associated plowing activities can often hide hydrants under large amounts of snow, making them difficult to locate quickly in the event of an emergency.
• Keeping clearances of at least 3 feet all around the hydrant. Please use caution when shoveling.
• Keeping the hydrant free of grass, weeds, and debris.

Find hydrants in your neighborhood available for adoption. Then, visit the program website to register. 

Holiday Donation Drives

As the chilly winter air settles in, the Village of Deerfield invites residents to join in the festive spirit with two holiday events, each providing a chance to give back to the community.

The Rotary Club's "Coat Off Your Back" drive encourages residents to donate new or gently used winter coats. These donations will support more than a dozen local homeless and refugee support organizations, providing warmth to infants, children, teens, and adults throughout the winter months. Collections continue until Dec. 15, with donation spots located at Village Hall, Deerfield Public Library, Sachs Center, downtown Starbucks, Jewett Park Community Center, Patty Turner Center and Whole Foods.

In addition, the Deerfield Police Department is hosting its annual toy drive, now in its 15th year for Lutheran General Hospital and 5th year for Ronald McDonald House. The drive collected a record number of toys last year for children at both locations, thanks to the community's generosity.

District 109’s Together We Give initiative is underway, and the community is invited to lend a hand this season. They are collecting gift cards and new winter wear for local students, along with donations to the Deerfield Park Foundation that help provide summer and enrichment opportunities for children in need. Donation drop boxes will be available in the vestibules of every District 109 school from December 2 through December 15.

Support Together We Give by completing the donation form, purchasing the items and dropping them off at any District 109 school.

Donate to the Deerfield Park Foundation. Please make sure to enter “Together We Give” in the donation purpose box.

Your participation and contributions will bring warmth and joy to many this holiday season. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.