With rising temperatures and the heat index reaching 90 degrees the Evanston Health Department has declared a Heat Watch and urges all residents to take preventive actions during this extremely hot weather to avoid heat-related illness, such as heat-stroke.
With rising temperatures and the heat index reaching 90 degrees the Evanston Health Department has declared a Heat Watch and urges all residents to take preventive actions during this extremely hot weather to avoid heat-related illness, such as heat-stroke.
As part of the Heat Emergency, residents are also encouraged to take advantage of cooling centers across the city. Those without air conditioning may visit the following public cooling centers in Evanston:
- Chandler-Newberger Center at 1028 Central St. open until 9 p.m.
- Ecology Center at 2024 McCormick Blvd. open until 5 p.m.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Center at 1655 Foster St. open unttil 9 p.m.
- Noyes Cultural Arts Center at 927 Noyes St. open until 7 p.m.
- Levy Senior Center at 300 Dodge Ave. open until 9 p.m.
- Robert Crown Center at 1701 Main St. open until midnight
The Evanston Health Department recommends the following steps to prevent heat-related illnesses:
- Drink lots of water, sports beverages or natural juices.
- 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 sit, or let anyone sit in a hot car, even for a few minutes;
- Remember to check on people vunerable for heat related illness, especially the elderly.
For more information contact the Evanston’s 311 Service Center, or visit www.cityofevanston.org.