Extreme Cold Weather Safety Precautions

With the frigid temperatures throughout this week, the City of Wheaton reminds residents to take precautions to stay safe in extreme cold. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following safety measures:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the cold.
• Dress in layers and keep dry.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be at risk or need assistance.
• Know the symptoms of cold-related illnesses like frostbite and hypothermia, and seek medical attention if needed.
• Ensure pets have a warm shelter and access to unfrozen water.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including an ice scraper, blanket, and flashlight, and maintain at least a half-full fuel tank.

Stay warm and safe this winter. For more information, visit the City's website.

Wheaton's New Building Codes Effective March 1

The Wheaton City Council recently approved the transition of the City’s building codes from the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) model code and 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) to the 2024 ICC model code and 2023 NEC. The new codes will be in effect starting March 1, 2025.

Key benefits of updating to the current editions include:

• Providing modern construction standards that incorporate advancements in construction practices, building materials, industry technologies and green building design,
• Improving insurance ratings with the Insurance Services Organization, and
• Meeting requirements to be eligible for state and federal grants.

The 2024 ICC codes can be viewed on the ICC website. There are some minor changes to the text of these codes, and these Ordinance Changes are available for review on the City's website.