Summer 2012: Cooling Centers Open and Tips to Stay Cool

UPDATED: June 27

With the National Weather Service forecasting Thursday’s high temperature at 100 degrees — and a heat index of 105 — keeping cool is going to be a top priority.

Staying indoors in an air-conditioned space is the best bet, when possible, but not everyone has access to air-conditioning.

The  and Will County are offering information on cooling centers and tips for staying safe in the heat. 

The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures in the Naperville area will reach 100 degrees on Thursday, with temperatures in the 90s expected throughout the weekend. As of Wednesday morning, a Heat Advisory is in effect for the area from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday. A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot weather is expected and that high temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

“This weekend, many families will get an early start on celebrating our nation’s independence by heading to local outdoor festivals, including Ribfest,” Emergency Management Coordinator Dan Nelson said. “Extended time outdoors in the sun and heat can be dangerous. Please use common sense when spending time outside and take precautions to stay hydrated with water and natural juices. Periodic breaks in the shade are also recommended.”

The city of Naperville’s Municipal Center may be used as a cooling center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 

The following locations may also be used as cooling centers:

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

In anticipation of the hot weather, Will County Emergency Management Agency has put out a list of locations that may serve as cooling centers. (Find the list in the attached PDF with this story.)

The agency is asking residents to watch out for elderly family members and neighbors.  Be sure to visit them to make sure their homes are cool and comfortable. It is also important to make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids and staying indoors.  

Residents who do not feel comfortable checking on a neighbor are asked to contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office at 815-727-8575 or your municipal police department to execute a welfare check.

The following are hot weather tips to protect from heat-related illnesses:

• Stay in an air-conditioned space at home, the library, the mall, 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.
• Avoid or minimize physical exertion.
• 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.

Special tip for seniors:

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.

Source: city of Naperville

Read this story for other tips on staying cool for people and pets.

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