Now: Warming centers, winter safety

CITY DETAILS WARMING CENTER LOCATIONS, OTHER SAFETY TIPS

Now that winter weather has moved into area, the City of Aurora is reminding residents that six warming centers are available for their use. They include:

· Salvation Army, 437 E. Galena Blvd., hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday;

· Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., hours are 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday;

· Aurora Public Library Main Branch, 1 E. Benton St.; East Branch, 555 S. Eola Road; and West Branch, 233 S. Constitution Drive; hours 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; and

· Senior Services Inc., 900 N. Lake St., Aurora Township, hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday;

In addition, residents are asked to watch out for the needs of children, seniors, people with special needs and pets during the cold winter months.

When driving on ice and snow, it is essential for motorists to reduce their speed, especially on bridges, overpasses and intersections.

Residents are required to move their car off streets and alleys after a snowfall of two inches or more. Failure to comply can lead to a ticket and vehicle tow that will cost a minimum of $150 plus applicable storage and release fees, depending on the time of the infraction.

Winter weather also tends to spike the number of cars that are stolen while left running unattended. The Aurora Police Department asks residents to use common sense to not leave cars running unattended − whether or not the doors are locked – because they are easy targets for thieves. Police also can issue citations if they come across an unattended, running vehicle on public property.

For more information on warming centers and winter weather preparedness, visit the City’s website at www.aurora-il.org.