Keep cool!!

I'm from Texas. I can survive in up to 115 temps and be just fine. So just as a reminder let's go over a few tips to keep cool during the Chicago summers, especially in the wake of the North Ave beach incident!!

Keep yourself cool...

• Stay in 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 colas.
• 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 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 911.
• 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.

Keep our seniors in mind...

• During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local area agencies on Aging or the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other buildings that serve as cooling centers.
• Humidity combined with temperature make up the heat index, which is similar to the wind chill factor in winter. If the temperature is in the 90s with high humidity, it can feel like it is well over 100 degrees.

Remember our non-human friends...

• Provide water and shelter from the sun at all times.
• Restrict activity during extreme heat.
• Never leave pets in parked vehicles. Even moderate heat rapidly increases and can kill the pet quickly.

If you know of someone in need of a cooling center here's a few of the cooling centers operated all around Chicago.

408 North Laramie Avenue

831 West 119th Street

5323 South Western Avenue

500 North Pulaski Road

2753 West North Avenue

2650 West Fulton Street

70 East 21st Street

4105 West Chicago Avenue

610 West Root Street

1642 West 59th Street

11203 S. Ellis Street

8001 South Cottage Grove Avenue

3910 West Ogden

1279 North Milwaukee

915 East 63rd Street