CHICAGO – With severe storms, heat and humidity expected this week the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages residents to be prepared for severe weather impacts. 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.

256 Cooling Center locations will be activated beginning Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2 for residents to find relief from the heat. The National Weather Service in Chicago is forecasting a chance for thunderstorms and possible high temperatures in the lower 90s beginning on Tuesday, July 30 through Thursday, August 1.

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 Monday, July 29 – August 2 (256 Available Locations Citywide) 

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.  
• 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.  

Park District, Chicago Public Library, City Colleges of Chicago and Police District Locations: During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s Chicago Public Library locations, seven City Colleges of Chicago main campuses, Chicago Park District fieldhouses, as well as pools and splash pads located throughout the city. Chicago Police Department district stations are available 24 hours for relief from the heat and to be connected with shelter. For locations visit Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal. Residents should contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. Note: Only the 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 am - 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am - 5 pm 
• 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 Services outreach delegate agencies will have street outreach teams 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).