City urges residents to stay cool and safe as heatwave sweeps Chicago — what to know
CHICAGO - As scorching temperatures and high humidity grip Chicago, city officials are urging residents to stay safe and cool.
Dangerous heat levels were expected to begin Sunday and persist through the week, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Cooling Centers and Safety Tips
Chicago has activated cooling centers to provide relief from the heat. The cooling areas are available at the city's six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Additionally, the Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie Ave. will operate as a cooling center on Sunday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cooling center locations include:
- Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th Street
- Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave. (Open 24 Hours)
- 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.
In addition to these cooling centers, residents can find relief from the heat at Chicago Public Library branches and Chicago Park District fieldhouses. Splash pads are also available throughout the city.
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During extreme heat, city officials say it's important to check on vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a wellbeing check using the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1. In the case of a medical emergency related to the heat, the public is advised to call 9-1-1.
The National Weather Service will issue an extreme heat warning if the heat index is expected to exceed 105°-110° for at least two consecutive days.
Heat Safety Tips:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sodas.
- If you lack air conditioning, stay indoors, keep shades drawn, blinds closed, and windows slightly open.
- Minimize the use of electric lights.
- Reduce oven and stove usage.
- Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
- Take cool baths and showers.
- Never leave anyone, including pets, in a parked car, even for a short time.
Meanwhile, record high temperatures were recorded in Texas and other states. The heat wave is just the latest to punish the U.S. this year.
Scientists have long warned that climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, by deforestation and by certain agricultural practices, will lead to more and prolonged bouts of extreme weather including hotter temperatures.
The entire globe has simmered to record heat both in June and July. And if that’s not enough, smoke from wildfires, floods and droughts have caused problems globally.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports just 600 to 700 heat deaths annually in the United States, but experts say the mishmash of ways that more than 3,000 counties calculate heat deaths means we don’t really know how many people die in the U.S. each year.
Associated Press contributed to this report.