The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications gave tips to stay safe Tuesday morning, ahead of the heat wave.
“Keep electric lights off or turned down, minimize use of your oven or stove, wear loose, light cotton clothing, take cool baths and showers. Don’t leave anyone, including pets, in a parked car, even for a few minutes,” said Rich Guidice, executive director with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
WATCH: Chicago OEMC gives tips to stay safe during heat wave
The city is reminding people to take precautions to avoid extreme heat emergencies.
When the humidity is factored in, it will feel as hot as 105 degrees and maybe even hotter in some places.
A Heat Advisory has been issued beginning Tuesday at noon until 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. The advisory includes north central and northeastern Illinois, as well as portions of northwest Indiana.
An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for central Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, northern Cook, southern Cook, eastern Will, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, northern Will and Southern Will counties in Illinois and Lake, Porter and more counties in northwest Indiana until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
NotifyChicago:
Heat Advisory issued June 12 at 3:37PM CDT until June 15 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL— Chicago OEMC (@ChicagoOEMC) June 12, 2022
Dangerous heat and humidity will arrive this week with peak heat index values over 100°F. Heat-related illnesses may develop in fewer than 30 minutes after strenuous outdoor activity. The heat should break toward the end of the week. pic.twitter.com/Kl98Lm6Kud
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) June 12, 2022
Officials warn that the hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses, which could develop in less than 30 minutes after strenuous outdoor activity.
Residents are advised to take extra precautions, including drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned areas and staying out of the sun. If possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or in the evenings if you work or will be spending time outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible, as well.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL 7-DAY FORECAST
“Do not underestimate the health risks of heat and humidity. They are dangerous, and, in some cases, can be deadly,” said Dr. Jennifer Seo, chief medical officer at the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Stroke:
Heat Exhaustion:
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool or shaded location, officials said. A heat stroke is an emergency, and 911 should be called.
Residents in need of assistance during the extreme heat should call 311. Residents can also request a wellbeing check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov or calling 311.
They also recommend checking up on relatives and neighbors.
“We are partnering with the Department of Buildings on 311 and responding to calls for senior well-being checks and senior assistance regarding heat. This is a priority to Chicago,” said Alisa Rodriguez, managing deputy commissioner with the Department of Family Services and Support.
The city of Chicago’s cooling areas located at the city’s six community service centers will be activated on Tuesday and Wednesday. The cooling areas operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. Visitors are required to wear a face covering while in the cooling areas. The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services will provide free face coverings for guests who do not have one and want to utilize the cooling areas.
They’re located at:
– Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th St.
– Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
– King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
– North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.
– South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
– Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.
During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the city’s more than 75 Chicago Public Library locations and more than 31 Chicago Park District fieldhouses as well as 176 splash pads.
Public pools will be closed, however, for another 10 days, while the Chicago Park District works to hire more lifeguards.
Last month during a spring heat wave, three women were found dead in a Rogers Park senior apartment building where other residents said they had started complaining to management of oppressively hot conditions days earlier.
RELATED: Calls for cooling ordinance grow after 3 women found dead in Rogers Park senior apartment building
“The important message I have here is we’re out there. We’re out there right now. We’re out there before the heat wave came, and will be there through the heat wave and afterwards to make sure everyone is safe,” Department of Buildings Commissioner Matthew Beaudet said.
Officials also remind people to never leave young children or pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstance.
Many got their walks, runs or bike rides in early Tuesday ahead of the high temperatures.
“Crank the AC!” Molly Reed said.
“Enjoy the summer while it lasts, so enjoy the heat,” another person said.
Even George, the dog, was getting his steps in.
“Exactly, so he’ll get some exercise in before it gets too hot. So yeah!” Reed said.
Steve Brodwolf agreed.
“Always, always before the heat. I’m out here 24/7, 365,” he said.
The Illinois Department of Transportation launched around-the-clock Hot Weather Patrols to more quickly locate and assist customers stranded along its roads during the dangerously high temperatures and humidity. The 24-hour patrols search for drivers stranded in disabled vehicles and respond to calls that come in to *999 motorist assistance, Illinois Tollway dispatch or Illinois State Police District 15.
Due to the high temperatures, the Chicago Department of Transportation has canceled the scheduled Wednesday bridge lift and boat run.
The National Weather Service said the heat should break toward the end of the week.
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