State agencies urge safety during record high temperatures
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - With hot weather forecast to remain through the weekend, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) will keep 10 cooling centers open across the state on Saturday. The centers will be open to help those that don't have air conditioning beat the heat.
The below cooling centers will be open on Saturday, July 7 from 8:30 am-5 pm. Please note these 10 offices are being opened as cooling centers only, DHS services will not be provided.
- Cook County
- Uptown - 2112 W. Lawrence
- Humboldt Park - 2753 W. North Ave.
- Northwest - 4105 W. Chicago Ave.
- Southeast - 8001 S. Cottage Grove
- Calumet Park - 831 W. 119th St.
In addition to the DHS cooling centers, the Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Illinois Department of Public Health encourages Illinois residents to be conscious of and responsive to signs of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms may include headaches, skin that is hot to the touch, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, seizures and irregular heartbeats.
To stay cool, avoid illness and prevent heat-related injury or death, people should increase their fluid intake but avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and sugar; decrease strenuous activity; and remain in air-conditioning when possible. In addition, people should avoid prolonged outdoor activity and visit the state's cooling centers if needed.
The Illinois Department on Aging also encourages relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. When temperatures and humidity are extremely high, seniors and people with chronic health conditions should be monitored for dehydration and other effects of extreme heat. Additionally, seniors should eat lighter meals, take longer and more frequent rests, and drink plenty of fluids.
For more information, visit www.keepcool.illinois.gov or www.ready.illinois.gov. To locate the address of one of the Saturday cooling centers call (217) 782-7860.
