Photo Credit: Getty Images
With heat and humidity being forecasted, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages residents to be prepared for extreme heat and severe weather impacts. As extreme weather can be hazardous and unpredictable, OEMC and City departments are reminding residents and visitors of the resources available to help alleviate the impact so everyone can stay healthy and safe.
Heat and humidity levels will rise next weekend and beyond. The combination of heat and humidity may make it feel around or above 100°F for several days in a row. Now is the time to prepare.
Public safety is the top priority of the City of Chicago and OEMC will work closely with the National Weather Service in Chicago to monitor conditions. Should conditions deteriorate due to the expected heat and humidity, OEMC will coordinate the city’s response by working with citywide departments to assist residents and vulnerable populations.
Chicago OEMC App
For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, cooling center locations, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and much more. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.
EXTREME HEAT and HUMIDITY
OEMC monitors weather conditions 24/7 with the National Weather Service (NWS) from the City’s Operations Center and issues alerts for advisories, watches, and warnings for extreme situations. If conditions warrant, an extreme heat warning will be issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when the following triggers are met:
- The peak heat index is expected to reach 100° to 105° for three consecutive days
- The peak heat index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F for at least two consecutive days
- The peak heat index is forecasted at 110° or higher for one day.
Once issued, the city’s emergency response plan is activated.
To receive the latest updates on heat/storm advisories and weather emergencies, residents can register for the City’s emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org, check OEMC’s social media pages, tune in to local media or download the Chicago OEMC App.
Available Cooling Centers
Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 (262 locations)
DFSS Community Service Centers
The Department of Family and Support Services’ (DFSS) six community service centers activate cooling areas during periods of extreme heat at 90˚ degrees and above. When activated, the cooling areas typically operate Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Garfield Center will be open for cooling on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago Police District Locations
- During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s Chicago 79 Public Library locations, seven City Colleges of Chicago main campus locations, 43 Chicago Park District fieldhouses, as well as pools and 143 splash pads located throughout the city, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. Also, the Chicago Police Department’s 22 district stations are available 24 hours for relief from the heat and to be connected with shelter.
Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24 (288 locations)
DFSS Community Service Centers
- Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th Street
- Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave
- 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
DFSS Senior Centers
Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s 21 senior centers (Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note: Renaissance Court located at 78 E Washington hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations.
For locations, visit Cooling Centers – Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal. Residents should contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. Note: Only the Park District facilities listed on the data portal provide access to air conditioning, as some facilities are not air-conditioned.
Well-Being Checks
When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, it is important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable populations. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a well-being check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat-related illness, call 9-1-1.
Homeless Services
Anyone seeking shelter can call 3-1-1 for assistance with placement and transportation to an available shelter.
- The Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) – 2241 S. Halsted St.
- Supports single individuals seeking shelter placement.
- Not a cooling center or shelter—call ahead to ensure availability: 773-526-3707
- The Salvation Army Emergency Assessment and Resource Center (EHARC) – 924 N. Christiana
- Provides shelter placement and overflow beds for families with children under 18 years of age.
- Not a cooling center or shelter—call ahead to ensure availability: 872-281-7610
- DFSS-funded shelters
- Most operate 24/7 year-round.
- DFSS typically activates all overnight shelters to operate 24/7 throughout extreme weather conditions.
- DFSS funds delegate agencies for expanded operations.