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RSSOEMC Reminds Residents To Take Precautions During Hot Days Ahead
Melissa Stratton
OEMC
312-746-9454
CHICAGO – The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) reminds residents and visitors of Chicago to take summer weather precautions for the next few days as the National Weather Service has forecasted weather to be very hot and humid.
No heat advisories or excessive heat warnings have been issued at this time. However, with hot temperatures expected for the upcoming days, OEMC reminds the public to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related conditions such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Heat stroke is more serious, and occurs when the body starts to lose its ability to regulate itself. The signs of a heat stroke are: extremely high body temperature, dizziness and nausea, throbbing headache, skin that is red, hot and dry. If you or anyone has any of these symptoms call 911 immediately. Then try to safely move the person into a cool place and cool the person with water.
To reduce the risks of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke, make sure that everyone is hydrated - especially children.
Take steps to keep families, neighbors and pets cool and comfortable
Call 311 for the City's nearest Cooling Center, which are located within the six Community Service Centers operated by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS). The centers are open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Contact local Chicago Park District facilities to find out about beach and park hours and programs. (SEE ATTACHED FLYER)
Chicagoans are urged to be good neighbors and check on the disabled and seniors during extreme heat, or call 311 to request well-being checks and rides to cooling centers. The City’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) will use their home care services, such as Home Delivered Meals and Case Management, to check on seniors and inquire about their well-being. DFSS has also notified its Well-Being Task Force which includes nearly 70 public agencies and private businesses to be on alert during this dangerous weather and report any senior or vulnerable person who is at risk from the heat.
Chicagoans should also take steps to ensure the safety and comfort of pets during extreme weather conditions. Owners are reminded to never leave dogs in parked vehicles - even in moderate heat it can be harmful and can quickly escalate to fatal results. If an animal is seen in a parked car alone, report it to 311.
OEMC will continue to work closely with the National Weather Service to monitor weather conditions in Chicago, and will update residents if in the event conditions change.
The public can also obtain more information about extreme weather preparedness by visiting www.alertchicago.org.
OEMC encourages the public to sign up to receive free weather alert notifications via text or email at www.notifychicago.org .
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The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications was established in 1995 to coordinate the City’s delivery of Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services resources. OEMC operates Chicago’s public safety communications system, managing emergency situations and coordinating major events, 3-1-1 and 9-1-1 Communications Operations. For more information visit our website at www.cityofchicago.org/oemc or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coemc.
