The City of Chicago Offers Residents Safety Tips and Multiple Resources Including Cooling Centers as Heat and Humidity Returns this Weekend into Next Week

August 23, 2024

OEMC will continue to monitor conditions and alert residents of extreme weather impacts including isolated severe thunderstorms and extreme temperatures

CHICAGO – With heat and humidity expected this weekend and early next week the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages residents to be prepared for severe weather impacts. Heat and humidity return this weekend and into next week with heat indices reaching the upper 90s and lower 100s. More than 250 Cooling Center locations will be activated beginning Saturday, August 25 through Wednesday, August 28 for residents to find relief from the heat.

As extreme weather can be hazardous and unpredictable, OEMC and City departments are reminding residents and visitors of safety tips and the resources available in event of a storm or heat emergency to help alleviate the impact.

Public safety is the top priority of the City of Chicago and OEMC will work closely with the National Weather Service in Chicago to monitor conditions. Should emergencies, severe storms or extreme heat arise, OEMC will coordinate the City’s response by working with departments citywide to assist residents and vulnerable populations.

If conditions warrant, an extreme heat warning will be issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when the heat index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F for at least two consecutive days. Once issued, the city’s emergency response plan is activated.

To receive the latest updates on heat advisories and weather emergencies, residents can register for the City’s emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org, check OEMC’s social media pages, tune to local media or download the Chicago OEMC App.

Cooling Centers Open on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25

Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Renaissance Court in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cooling Centers Open on Monday, August 26 – Wednesday, August 28

The City of Chicago’s cooling areas located at the City's six community service centers operated by the Department of Family and Support Services will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note: the Garfield Service Center at 10 South Kedzie from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for cooling and 24/7 for those needing shelter placement.

Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th Street
Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
Martin Luther King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove
North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.
South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.

Also from Monday, August 26 through Wednesday, August 28, all six DFSS Senior Centers will be open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Renaissance Court from 10 am to 5 pm).

Central West Senior Regional Center – 2102 W. Ogden Ave.
Northwest Copernicus Senior Center – 3160 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Southeast Atlas Senior Center – 1767 E.79TH St.
Northeast Levy Senior Center – 2019 W. Lawrence Ave.
Downtown Renaissance Court – 78 E. Washington St.
Southwest Regional Center – 6117 S. Kedzie

(For additional information, visit 311.Chicago.gov or call 3-1-1.)

Additional Cooling Options Available Citywide

Chicago Park District facilities, Chicago Public Libraries, City Colleges of Chicago and Police Department District stations are also available for relief from the heat and humidity. Chicago Police Department district stations are available 24 hours for relief from the heat and to be connected with shelter.

For locations and hours, visit Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal. Residents can also call 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. Information about Chicago Park District beaches, pools, water playgrounds, and water spray features is available here. Note: Only the Chicago Park District facilities listed on the data portal provide access to air conditioning, as some facilities are not air-conditioned.

City Colleges of Chicago Cooling Locations

Daley: Monday-Friday 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday 9 am - 3 pm, Closed Sunday
Harold Washington: Monday-Friday 8 am - 8 pm - Saturday, 8 am - 4 pm, Closed Sunday
Kennedy-King: Monday-Friday, 8 am - 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am - 4 pm
Malcolm X: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Closed Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25
Olive-Harvey: Monday-Friday 9 am - 8 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, Closed Sunday
Truman: Monday – Friday 8 am – 9 pm, Saturday 8 am – 9 pm, Closed Sunday
Wright: Monday- Friday 8 am – 7 pm, Saturday 8 am - 2 pm, Closed Sunday

DFSS Homeless Street Outreach Services

On Saturday, August 24th and Sunday August 25th, delegate agencies Haymarket, Salvation Army and Christian Community Health Centers will have street outreach teams will be operating in select areas of the city.

On Monday, August 26th through Wednesday August 29th, DFSS and delegate agency street outreach teams will be operating across the city.

Well-Being Checks

When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, it is important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable population. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a well-being check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat related illness, call 9-1-1.

Robocalls to Seniors

The Department of Family and Support Services will conduct robocalls to seniors in their network to notify them of the extreme heat and provide information to stay cool.

Heat Related Illness

When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, we encourage everyone to monitor themselves and others for the telltale signs of heat-related illness. Extreme sweating, intense thirst, nausea, fatigue or weakness, and dizziness or confusion can all be indicators of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Some people are at greater risk than others: infants and young children, people 65 years of age or older, people who are overweight, individuals who work outdoors and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat related illness, call 9-1-1.

Tips to Beat the Heat

Stay hydrated – drink lots of water, AVOID alcohol, caffeine, sodas.
Stay inside, if you do not have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
Keep electric lights off or turned down.
Minimize use of your oven and stove.
Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
Take cool baths and showers.
Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) advises property owners and building managers to check their electrical and cooling equipment now to make sure it is in working order before the temperatures really start to rise.

Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices and issues affecting businesses or events:

CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

Chicago OEMC App

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the new Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is now available through the Apple App and Google Play stores. To immediately download, click HERE or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.

OEMC and Ironheart (Marvel)

OEMC has teamed up with Marvel Comics to reinvigorate how OEMC emergency managers communicate with residents on public safety and emergency management topics. Fans of the Marvel Universe will recognize the star of the new OEMC campaign, Riri Williams, AKA Ironheart. Marvel Images: cityofchicago.box.com/s/x3pqga3dh721woelnxn3hf9fy6gjve9v

The goal of this partnership is to bring preparedness tips and safety information to all age groups, from young kids to adults, with themed messaging featuring the fan-favorite character. Severe Weather and Excessive Heat are two of the topics illustrated through stories featuring Ironheart. Beat the Heat with Ironheart - YouTube

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).