The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages residents to be prepared for extreme heat and severe weather impacts. As extreme weather can be hazardous and unpredictable, OEMC and City departments remind residents and visitors of safety tips and the resources available in a heat emergency to help alleviate the impact.

OEMC monitors weather conditions 24/7 with the National Weather Service (NWS) from the City’s Operations Center and issues alerts for advisories watches and warnings for extreme situations. If conditions warrant, an extreme heat warning will be issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when the following triggers are met:

• Peak heat index is expected to reach 100° to 105° for three consecutive days
• Peak heat index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F for at least two consecutive days
• Peak heat index is forecasted at 110° or higher for one day.

Once issued, the city’s emergency response plan is activated.

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.

Cooling Centers

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) will activate the City’s six community service centers as cooling areas during periods of extreme heat at 90˚ degrees and above. The cooling areas operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, Monday-Friday.  

· 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.

For additional details, visit City of Chicago :: Cooling Areas

DFSS Senior Service Centers

Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s 21 senior centers (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations.

Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago Police District Locations

During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s Chicago 79 Public Library locations, seven City Colleges of Chicago main campus locations, 43 Chicago Park District fieldhouses, as well as pools and 143 splash pads located throughout the city. Also, the Chicago Police Department’s 22 district stations are available 24 hours for relief from the heat and to be connected with shelter. Note: Chicago Public Library and Chicago Park District locations are open on the weekend during hours of operation.

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.

When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, it is important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable population. If you cannot 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.

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.