Cooling centers are available to all residents across Cook County.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Cook County between 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday with heat indexes between 110 – 115 degrees expected. Dangerously hot and humid conditions will linger through Thursday evening.
Cook County is increasing the number of cooling centers open to residents to include the County’s Skokie, Maywood, Markham, Rolling Meadows, Leighton, Bridgeview and Daley Center Courthouses Wednesday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Residents who do not have adequate access to air conditioning are advised to seek respite at a cooling center.
The County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) offers the following tips during excessive summer heat to help keep residents safe:
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks
- Try to stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible
- If working outside, take frequent breaks, preferably in an air-conditioned space
- Take pets indoors and make sure they have plenty of water
- Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle
It’s also important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors and members of vulnerable populations when temperatures climb to extreme levels.
If you must work or spend extended time outdoors, watch for symptoms of heatstroke i.e., 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 there is a medical emergency due to a heat-related illness, call 9-1-1.
A complete list of cooling centers along with their hours of operation is available here.
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