With temperatures expected to rise to a record-breaking 100 degrees, the City of Evanston’s Health Department has issued a heat advisory for Thursday.
The advisory goes into effect at noon and continues until 8 p.m.
“With temperatures and heat indices rising, the Evanston Health Department urges all residents to take preventive actions throughout the summer to avoid heat-related illness, such as heat stroke,” said Health Director Evonda Thomas.
Some suggestions from the Health Department to prevent heat-related health problems:
- Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, as they can cause stomach cramps.
- Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. During a heat emergency, information about local cooling shelters will be posted online or can be found by calling 3-1-1.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
- Infants and young children;
- People aged 65 or older;
- People who have a mental illness; and
- Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.
Those without air conditioning may visit the following public buildings during operating hours Thursday to cool down:
- Chandler-Newberger Center at 1028 Central St. open until 7 p.m.
- Ecology Center at 2024 McCormick Blvd. open until 5 p.m.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Center at 1655 Foster St. open until 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.