Due to elevated and unsafe E. coli levels, the water will be closed today at four Evanston beaches — at Lee, Greenwood, Clark and Lincoln streets. The sand will remain open.
Beaches where the water will remain open include Lighthouse and South Boulevard.
With a heat advisory in effect through Sunday, the City of Evanston is reminding residents that several city buildings will be available as cooling centers during their operating hours.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
- Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, 1823 Church St. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
- Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday
- Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday
- Main Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday Noon to 6 p.m., Sunday
- North Branch Library, 2026 Central St. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday
- Chicago Ave./Main St. Branch Library, 900 Chicago Ave. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday
Steps that residents can take to prevent heat-related illnesses include:
- Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol, caffeine and high salt intake
- Stay in cool, shaded areas while outdoors, and keep the blinds drawn or lights down indoors
- Use air conditioners or fans; avoid excessive exposure to heat in unventilated areas
- Reduce physical activity
- Take cool baths or showers, and use cool towels
- Wear loose, light cotton clothing and a breathable hat
- Eat light meals; avoid eating heavy meals and using the oven
- Do not leave people or pets alone in a hot car, even for a few minutes
