A Local Woman's Death Marks Eighth Cold-Related Fatality in Cook County This Season as Life-Threatening Bitter Cold Snap Grips the Area
As the temperature drops, a young woman from Evergreen Park is now among eight victims of cold-related deaths in Cook County this season. 81-year-old Mary Savisky's life was cut short when she succumbed to the harsh effects of cold exposure at her home on South Francisco Avenue Monday afternoon.
According to the medical examiner's office, an autopsy revealed that primary cause of death was environmental cold exposure with secondary causes listed as heart disease. This incident echoes a deadly trend in Cook County where seven other people have lost their lives recently due to similar reasons, all determined accidental.
The list of fatalities includes a 23-year-old Oak Forest man who died from hypothermia after being exposed to extreme cold; a 90-year-old South Shore resident who perished in his apartment, primarily due to environmental cold exposure; and a 38-year-old Washington Heights man whose death was mainly attributed to drug use but also included as secondary cause of hypothermia and cold exposure.
The pattern is alarming, with multiple lives lost since the start of November. The causes of these deaths highlight the severity of the current weather conditions in Chicago. Residents are advised to take immediate precautions to stay safe during the life-threatening bitter cold snap gripping the area.
To mitigate this situation, the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications has shared several essential tips for staying warm during extreme cold:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Hang blankets over windows at night but let the sun shine in during the day
- Cover cracks around doors with rugs or towels to minimize heat loss
When stepping outside, residents should avoid overexertion like shoveling heavy snow and dress warmly. The recommended attire includes loose-fitting, lightweight clothing layered under tightly woven outer layers that are water-repellent and hooded.
In a related message from the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications, they emphasized the importance of being prepared for the extreme cold. "If you have to go outside, make sure you dress in layers and have a hat, face mask, and gloves." The warning comes as an Extreme Cold Watch has been issued, urging residents to exercise caution during this period.
As the area continues to grapple with record-breaking temperatures, authorities urge everyone to prioritize their safety. With the extreme cold snap lingering, it's crucial for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with cold exposure and take necessary precautions to stay safe at home and when venturing outside.
As the temperature drops, a young woman from Evergreen Park is now among eight victims of cold-related deaths in Cook County this season. 81-year-old Mary Savisky's life was cut short when she succumbed to the harsh effects of cold exposure at her home on South Francisco Avenue Monday afternoon.
According to the medical examiner's office, an autopsy revealed that primary cause of death was environmental cold exposure with secondary causes listed as heart disease. This incident echoes a deadly trend in Cook County where seven other people have lost their lives recently due to similar reasons, all determined accidental.
The list of fatalities includes a 23-year-old Oak Forest man who died from hypothermia after being exposed to extreme cold; a 90-year-old South Shore resident who perished in his apartment, primarily due to environmental cold exposure; and a 38-year-old Washington Heights man whose death was mainly attributed to drug use but also included as secondary cause of hypothermia and cold exposure.
The pattern is alarming, with multiple lives lost since the start of November. The causes of these deaths highlight the severity of the current weather conditions in Chicago. Residents are advised to take immediate precautions to stay safe during the life-threatening bitter cold snap gripping the area.
To mitigate this situation, the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications has shared several essential tips for staying warm during extreme cold:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Hang blankets over windows at night but let the sun shine in during the day
- Cover cracks around doors with rugs or towels to minimize heat loss
When stepping outside, residents should avoid overexertion like shoveling heavy snow and dress warmly. The recommended attire includes loose-fitting, lightweight clothing layered under tightly woven outer layers that are water-repellent and hooded.
In a related message from the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications, they emphasized the importance of being prepared for the extreme cold. "If you have to go outside, make sure you dress in layers and have a hat, face mask, and gloves." The warning comes as an Extreme Cold Watch has been issued, urging residents to exercise caution during this period.
As the area continues to grapple with record-breaking temperatures, authorities urge everyone to prioritize their safety. With the extreme cold snap lingering, it's crucial for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with cold exposure and take necessary precautions to stay safe at home and when venturing outside.