Cook County will open cooling centers as extreme heat is forecasted for the region from Sunday through Tuesday.
Cook County will open cooling centers at the County’s Skokie, Maywood and Markham Courthouses 24 hours from Sunday, Aug. 25 at 12 p.m. through Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Residents without adequate access to air conditioning are encouraged to seek respite at a cooling center.
The County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security offers the following tips during excessive summer heat to help residents stay safe:
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks
- Try to stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible
- If working outside, take frequent breaks, preferably in an air-conditioned space
- Take pets indoors and ensure they have plenty of water
- Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle
It’s also important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors and members of vulnerable populations when temperatures climb to extreme levels.
If you must work or spend extended time outdoors, watch for symptoms of heatstroke i.e., when the body starts to lose its ability to regulate itself. Telltale signs of heatstroke include:
- An extremely high body temperature, such as 103 degrees or above
- Dizziness and nausea
- A throbbing headache and a pulse that is rapid and strong
- Skin that is red, hot and dry
If there is a medical emergency due to a heat-related illness, call 9-1-1.
A complete list of cooling centers along with their hours of operation is available here.