City Instructs Residents be Cautious of Excessive Heat Warning Still In Effect

Photo by johnsyweb via flickr

Chicago City Officials from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Department of Family and Support Services, Chicago Department of Public Health, the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department hosted a press conference to remind the public of the dangers of extreme heat and to check on their neighbors, families, elderly and the disabled.

Although recent rain has provided some relief, an Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 10 p.m. on Friday. Heat indices will peak today between 107 and 113.

“It is critically important to continue to remind the public to have a plan to address excessive heat days and to treat heat warnings as a call to action to take precautions to avoid a heat-related emergency,” said Gary W. Schenkel, OEMC Executive Director.

During these dangerously high temperatures, city officials urge Chicagoans to check on their neighbors, families, elderly and the disabled. Chicagoans can call 3-1-1 to obtain the location of cooling centers; request well-being checks; and request rides to cooling centers, if needed.

The following data has been reported from June 28 through July 4: The total number of heat-related calls to 9-1-1 is 307. Total number of heat-related patient transports by Chicago Fire Department is 310. Total number of well-being checks completed by the Department of Family and Support Services is 159.

The following resources are being provided by the City and currently available to take refuge from the heat:    

• The City’s temporary cooling centers, which include Chicago police district headquarters; all 79 Chicago Public Library locations during public hours of operation; and other public buildings;
• Chicago Park District beaches and pools;
• City Cooling Centers located within the six Community Service Centers operated by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS).  The city cooling centers will operate Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., this week,  the Cooling Center  located at 10 South Kedzie will serve as a 24-hour center.

Individuals attending outdoor activities should take precautions to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including drinking plenty of water.   Outdoor exercise is not advised during this time.

Call 3-1-1 to report an open hydrant or 9-1-1 for emergency response.

OEMC and city officials will continue to work closely with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions in our area.

Residents are cautioned to monitor pets, ensure they are hydrated, cool and out of the sun.

OEMC continues to collaborate with city departments and sister agencies to monitor the public’s response and needs during these extreme hot weather days.

Staying informed of weather conditions is a step closer to being prepared.  Subscribe to Notify Chicago to receive weather alert notifications via text message, voicemail or email. This is a free service provided by the City of Chicago, administered by the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Subscribe at www.notifychicago.org.