Chicago Area Braces For Incoming Bitter Cold

(CBS) -- We've been dealing with brutal cold for days now, but the worst is still ahead of us. CBS 2's Chris Martinez reports many are preparing now.

As cold as it is now, this is just the beginning and at Southwest Chicago PADS, they're prepping now for the dangerous day to come.

That means helping people who have nowhere else to turn. The space is operating as a warming center with extra donations of socks, sweaters and coats ready to go.

"These costs will probably go... I'd say by Thursday evening," said Southwest Chicago PADS Director Karyn Perkins. "That's how big the need is."

We find the expectations similar at Rush Hospital's ER, where they too are now standing by. The potentially record breaking cold is top of mind for doctors there, who say it's just not something we can ignore.

"Gotta keep yourself protected, gotta keep your hands protected, keep your ears protected... walking outside even a brief period of time you can get frostbite," said Dr. Yanina Purim-Shem-Tov.

For a list of warming centers in Chicago, click here.