Cooling centers available to all residents across County
Hot, humid and potentially stormy weather conditions will move across Cook County starting on Wednesday and ending Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Peak afternoon heat index values of between 95 – 105 degrees are expected.
Cook County is increasing the number of cooling centers open to residents to include the County’s Skokie, Maywood and Bridgeview Courthouses Wednesday – Friday 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 offers the following tips during excessive summer heat to help keep residents safe:
Beginning Wednesday and lasting until Friday, the National Weather Service forecasts that Cook County will experience hot, humid and possibly stormy weather conditions. The peak afternoon heat index values are expected to reach between 95-105 degrees.
To address the potential challenges posed by this weather, Cook County is taking proactive measures by increasing the number of cooling centers available to residents.
The cooling centers, situated at the County’s Skokie, Maywood, and Bridgeview Courthouses, will be open Wednesday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents without sufficient access to air conditioning are encouraged to seek refuge at a cooling center.
The County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security has compiled some valuable tips to help residents stay safe during this period of excessive summer heat:
- 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 is vital that you check on the well-being of relatives, neighbors, seniors and members of vulnerable populations as temperatures are expected to spike to extreme levels.
If you must work or spend time outdoors, remain vigilant for any signs of heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s ability to regulate its temperature diminishes. Recognizable indicators of heatstroke include:
- 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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