Above / Residents should ensure their health and well-being when the heat index is on the rise.
As very early morning thermometers push toward 80 degrees on July 12, residents are reminded to take precautions to ensure their health, safety and well-being during days of high heat and humidity.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the Naperville area will be in the 90s today with thunderstorms in the forecast, and heat index values during that time likely will continue to soar upward.
Simply reading through some common sense advice and sharing it with folks you know is a good way to stay healthy when it’s hot and humid.
Sticky Dog Days
Though some relief is expected as temperatures drop into the 80s later this week, be prepared for the drippy dog days of summer.
Cooling Centers Available
Please note that Monday through Friday the Naperville Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle St., can be used as a cooling center during normal business hours of 8AM to 5PM.
Residents can also seek shelter at the following locations:
- County administrative buildings
- Libraries
- Park District facilities
- Senior Centers
- Township offices
- Shopping malls
- Other public places
Residents are reminded that during periods of extreme hot weather, elderly individuals taking medications for chronic illnesses and those with special needs are among the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Be extra vigilant and check on those individuals more often than usual. Let friends and neighbors know about the cooling centers available.
Know Signs of Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke
During hot weather, it is important to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do if you or someone you know is suffering from either of these conditions. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, headache, cool and clammy skin, heavy perspiration, shallow breathing, muscle tremors and cramping.
Additional symptoms for heat stroke, which can be fatal, include severe headache, a red and dry face, skin that is hot to the touch, rapid and shallow breathing, significantly elevated body temperature, weak pulse, changes in consciousness and seizures or cardiac arrhythmias. Any person suffering from these symptoms is in a life-threatening situation and 9-1-1 should be called immediately.
Hot Weather Tips Help Protect from Heat-related Illnesses
- Stay in an air-conditioned space at home, the library, the mall, movie theater or at a cooling center.
- Drink lots of water and natural juices. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and soft drinks.
- Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but keep windows slightly open.
- Stay out of the sun and avoid going out in the heat.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down.
- Take cool baths or showers.
- Wear loose, light cotton clothing.
- Do not eat heavy meals. Avoid cooking with your oven.
- Avoid or minimize physical exertion.
- Do not sit in a hot car, even for a short time. Never leave a child or pet in a hot car.
- Check on family members, friends and neighbors to make sure they stay cool and safe.
- If you or anyone you know needs emergency medical attention, call 9-1-1.
- It is against the law to open a fire hydrant. An open hydrant hinders the fire department’s ability to fight fires, reduces water pressure in your home and may cause basement flooding.
Listen to the News for Updates
Residents also should familiarize themselves with terms pertaining to heat emergencies:
- An excessive heat watch means conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local excessive heat warning criteria in the next 12 to 48 hours.
- An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following criteria: a heat index of at least 105°F for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days, or a heat index more than 115°F for any period of time.
- An excessive heat advisory means hazardous heat conditions have begun or will begin within 36 hours and, if caution is not exercised, they could become life threatening.
Special Keeping Cool Tip for Seniors
During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local area agencies on aging or the Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other buildings that serve as cooling centers.
Keeping Cool Tips for Your Pets
- Provide water and shelter from the sun at all times.
- Restrict activity during extreme heat.
- Never leave pets in parked vehicles. Even moderate heat rapidly increases and can kill the pet quickly.
Anyone needing assistance during a period of extreme heat can call City Dispatch at (630) 420-6187.
Also remember to empty any standing water outside so mosquitoes will not breed. They can breed in one-half teaspoon of water!
Editor’s Note / This news was updated from a story with hot-weather tips released by the City of Naperville in June 2012.
