Cook County is preparing for an anticipated heatwave by opening cooling centers across the region. With heat indices expected to reach up to 100 degrees, these centers will be available from Saturday through Tuesday.
The County’s Skokie, Maywood, and Markham courthouses will serve as 24-hour cooling centers starting at noon on Saturday, June 21, until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24. Residents lacking sufficient air conditioning are encouraged to utilize these facilities.
To ensure public safety during this period of excessive heat, the County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security has issued several recommendations:
– Stay hydrated while avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks.
– Remain in shaded or indoor areas whenever possible.
– If outdoor work is necessary, take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
– Bring pets indoors and provide them with ample water.
– Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Checking on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and vulnerable individuals is advised when temperatures rise significantly.
For those who must spend extended periods outdoors, it is important to recognize signs of heatstroke. Symptoms include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, dizziness, nausea, a throbbing headache with a rapid pulse, and red-hot dry skin. In case of a medical emergency related to heat illness, residents should call 911.
A comprehensive list of cooling centers and their operating hours can be accessed online.
