Extremely cold weather is forecasted to hit the Chicago area starting Sunday, lasting through the middle of next week. During this period, wind chills could drop as low as 20 degrees below zero, with snow anticipated on Wednesday.

In preparation for these conditions and the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, individuals are advised to review preventive measures to avoid weather-related damage to campus buildings and costly repairs.

Recommendations include ensuring that all windows, doors, and connecting doors to building entryways and vestibules remain closed. Room thermostats should be set to a minimum of 68 degrees with fan coils left on at a medium setting or equivalent. Nonessential equipment such as lights, computer equipment, and appliances should be turned off when possible.

For labs and research facilities, optimizing equipment settings is suggested to minimize energy consumption. This applies particularly to machines on timers and specialty equipment like ovens, incubators, freezers, coolers, microscopy devices, MRI machines, etc.

Any abnormal room temperatures or signs of water leaks or flooding should be reported immediately to Facilities Management at 312-996-7511. This service operates around the clock to address such situations promptly.

Issues at UI Health facilities can be reported by calling 312-996-5084. For other inquiries or further information needed regarding these preparations, Facilities Management can be reached via email at servdesk@uic.edu.

"Thank you for your cooperation."