Chicago City Wire

The City of Chicago Offers Residents Safety Tips and Resources to Beat the Heat this Week

CHICAGO – 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 safety tips and available resources in a heat emergency.

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 emergencies, severe storms, or extreme heat arise, OEMC will coordinate the city’s response by working with departments citywide to assist residents and vulnerable populations. If the National Weather Service (NWS) issues an extreme heat warning, the city’s emergency response plan is activated.

To receive updates on heat advisories and weather emergencies, residents can register for the City’s emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org, check OEMC’s social media pages, tune into local media, or download the Chicago OEMC App.

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) has activated cooling centers at six 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.

The cooling centers are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those needing shelter placement, the Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie is open 24/7 to connect families and residents to emergency shelter. For additional information about the city's cooling centers please call 3-1-1.

During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s Chicago Public Library locations and more than Chicago Park District fieldhouses as well as pools and splash pads located throughout the city.

When temperatures climb to extreme levels, it is important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and 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. In case of a medical emergency due to a heat-related illness, call 9-1-1.

An extreme heat warning will be issued by NWS when the heat index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F for at least two consecutive days. Once issued, the city’s emergency response plan is activated.

Tips to Beat the Heat:

• Stay hydrated – drink lots of water; avoid alcohol, caffeine, sodas.

• Stay inside; if you do not have air conditioning keep shades drawn and blinds closed but windows slightly open.

• Keep electric lights off or turned down.

• Minimize use of your oven and stove.

• Wear loose light cotton clothing.

• Take cool baths and showers.

• Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car even for a few minutes.

The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) advises property owners and building managers to check their electrical and cooling equipment now to ensure it is in working order before temperatures rise significantly.

Air Quality Alert in Effect Until Midnight

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued an Air Quality Alert while the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has declared an Air Pollution Action Day for Monday through Monday night for the greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. This action day indicates that widespread ozone or particulate levels are expected to be at or above the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on multiple days.

Active children and adults especially people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor activity. For additional information visit airnow.gov.

Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices affecting businesses or events:

• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices text “CHILAKE” to 78015

• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses text “CHIBIZ” to 67283

For safety preparedness at your fingertips residents are encouraged to download the new Chicago OEMC App providing safety information preparedness tips emergency alerts weather information current forecasts radar other weather-related information available through Apple App Google Play stores immediately downloadable click HERE visit website Chicago.gov/OEMC

OEMC teams up with Marvel Comics

OEMC has partnered with Marvel Comics aiming reinvigorate how emergency managers communicate public safety emergency management topics Fans recognize star campaign Riri Williams AKA Ironheart partnership brings preparedness tips themed messaging featuring fan-favorite character Severe Weather Excessive Heat illustrated stories Ironheart

For additional information on emergency preparedness visit OEMC website follow Office Emergency Management Communications Facebook Twitter Instagram @coemc @ChicagoOEMC chicago_oemc_911