Chicago Weather: Bitter cold takes toll on firefighters, pets
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The cold snap in Chicago continues! With temperatures in the teens Wednesday afternoon, wearing multiple layers is a must.
"I like being bundled up, I like layers," Megan Maybell said.
Working outside in these conditions can be unbearable. Chicago firefighters kept busy Wednesday morning fighting a fire at an apartment building on Chicago's Northwest Side.
They made several rescues. The freezing temperatures added another challenge to an already difficult and dangerous job.
Firefighters are taking a lot of precautions in these weather conditions.
"Watching each other for signs of frostbite is real important to us. Frozen hydrants are always a concern. Sometimes we put a couple of firefighters on hydrant duty when normally we might have one," said Mark Nielsen, the Chicago Fire Department's assistant deputy fire commissioner.
The cold weather is not only taking a toll on people, but also on our pets.
Over at the Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge, calls are pouring in with reports of dogs being left outside.
"As owners and protectors of animals we need to watch out for our own and other animals," said Linda Estrada, Animal Welfare League.
They're reminding pet owners to be mindful of your animals when the temperature drops.
"They can't take the cold. I mean, a couple of minutes, go and potty outside and that's it," Estrada.
Wind chills will hover around zero Wednesday night, but Thursday will see a warmup with highs approaching 40 degrees.
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