- Published: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 09:59 AM
The City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications offers cooling tips and resources for residents to avoid extreme heat emergencies
The City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS), and other City departments and sister agencies provide resources for residents to find relief from extreme heat this week and throughout the summer. Resources include access to cooling centers, Chicago Park District splash pads, Chicago Public Library locations and more to get relief from high temperatures and humidity that can pose a health and safety threat.
The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Heat Advisory in effect Tuesday, June 14 at noon through Wednesday, June 15 at 8 p.m. with expected peak afternoon heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
Residents should feel empowered to contact 3-1-1 if they are feeling uncomfortable or in need of assistance. It’s also important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors and our vulnerable populations when temperatures climb to extreme levels. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a wellbeing check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat related illness, call 9-1-1.
The City of Chicago’s cooling areas located at the City's six community service centers will be activated on Tuesday and Wednesday. The cooling areas operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays–Fridays. Visitors are required to wear a face covering while in the cooling areas. DFSS will provide free face coverings for guests who do not have one and want to utilize the cooling areas.
• Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th Street
• Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
• King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove
• North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.
• South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
• Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.
During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s more than 75 Chicago Public Library locations and more than 31 Chicago Park District fieldhouses as well as 176 splash pads.
OEMC will continue to monitor conditions with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago. To receive the latest updates on heat advisories and weather emergencies residents can register for the City’s emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org.
If conditions warrant, an extreme heat warning will be issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when the heat index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F for at least two consecutive days. Once issued, the city’s emergency response plan is activated.
Heat-related Illness
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Heatstroke is more serious and occurs when the body starts to lose its ability to regulate itself. The telltale signs of heatstroke are:
• An extremely high body temperature, such as 103 degrees or above
• Dizziness and nausea
• A throbbing headache and a pulse that is rapid and strong
• Skin that is red, hot and dry
If you see someone suffering from heatstroke, call 9-1-1 immediately and then try to move the person into a cool place and cool the person with water.
Tips to Beat the Heat
• Stay hydrated – drink lots of water, AVOID alcohol, caffeine, sodas.
• Stay inside, if you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Keep electric lights off or turned down.
• Minimize use of your oven and stove.
• Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
• Take cool baths and showers.
• Don’t leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
• It’s important to check on family, friends, neighbors and especially our seniors…staying connected is key.
The Department of Buildings would like to advise property owners and building managers to check their electrical and cooling equipment ahead of time to make sure it's in working order before the temperatures really start to rise.
Due to the high temperatures, the Chicago Department of Transportation has cancelled the scheduled Wednesday, June 14 bridge lift and boat run.
Weather and Public Safety
OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. We encourage residents to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.
To stay in the know this summer, OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep residents up to date on weather conditions and emergencies:
• Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at www.NotifyChicago.org
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook, Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).
