City Warns Residents to Stay Cool As Heat Wave Continues

With temperatures expected to climb above 100 degrees today and Friday, the is reminding residents to take precautions for their health and safety.

During hot weather, it is also important to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do if you or someone you know is suffering from either of these conditions, city officials said.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, headache, cool and clammy skin, heavy perspiration, shallow breathing, muscle tremors and cramping.

Additional symptoms for heat stroke, which can be fatal, include severe headache, a red and dry face, skin that is hot to the touch, rapid and shallow breathing, significantly elevated body temperature, weak pulse, changes in consciousness and seizures or cardiac arrhythmias, city officials said.

Any person suffering from these symptoms should call 911 immediately.

The city also reminds residents that well-being checks should be performed for the eldery, those with specials needs and for people taking medications for chronic illnesses.

Tips to Stay Cool
The following are hot weather tips to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses:

• Stay in an air-conditioned space at home, the library, the mall, a movie theater or at a cooling center. 
• Drink lots of water and natural juices. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and soft drinks.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but keep windows slightly open. 
• Stay out of the sun and avoid going out in the heat. 
• Keep electric lights off or turned down. 
• Take cool baths or showers. 
• Wear loose, light cotton clothing. 
• Do not eat heavy meals. Avoid cooking with your oven. 
• Do not sit in a hot car, even for a short time. Never leave a child or pet in a hot car. 
• Check on family members, friends and neighbors to make sure they stay cool and safe. 
• If you or anyone you know needs emergency medical attention, call 9-1-1. 
• It is against the law to open a fire hydrant. An open hydrant hinders the Fire Department's ability to fight fires, reduces water pressure in your home and may cause basement flooding. 
• During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local area agencies on aging or the Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other buildings that serve as cooling centers. 
• Provide water and shelter from the sun at all times for your pets, and restrict activity during extreme heat. 
• Never leave pets in parked vehicles. Even moderate heat rapidly increases and can kill the pet quickly.

Cooling Centers
The , located at 400 S. Eagle St., can be used as a cooling center Monday through Friday during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also seek shelter at the following locations:

• County administrative buildings
• Libraries
• Park District facilities
• Senior Centers
• Township offices
• Shopping malls
• Other public places

Anyone needing assistance during a period of extreme heat should call City Dispatch at 630-420-6187. For more information, visit the city's website.