With the National Weather Service predicting the heat index in Evanston may exceed 100 degrees today and Saturday, the city’s health director has declared a heat advisory is urging residents to take preventive steps to avoid heat-related illness including heat-stroke.
Health and Human Services Director Evonda Thomas-Smith says residents who lack air conditioning can visit the following public cooling centers:
- Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St., open today until 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St., open today until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., open today until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., open today until 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St., open today until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m . to 9 p.m.
The Health Department recommends the following steps to prevent heat-related illnesses:
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and high salt intake.
- Stay in a cool, shaded areas and keep the blinds drawn or lights down.
- Avoid excessive exposure to the sun.
- 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 let anyone sit in a hot car, even for a few minutes.
Remember to check on people at risk for heat-related illness, especially elderly individuals.
