Above / Residents should ensure their health and well-being when the heat index is on the rise. Think cool and refreshing with the images of wildlife in May Watts Pond under the clouds on July 17, 2019. Be sure to stay hydrated.
How hot did the thermometer say it was at your house out on the deck? Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Stay inside and keep cool.
As dangerous and life-threatening hot weather approaches the Naperville area, residents are asked to prepare themselves and loved ones for this period of extreme heat.
A period of dangerous heat is forecast Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 20, with the hottest conditions expected on Friday, July 19. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening, with heat indices expected to reach 104 to 114 degrees each afternoon during that time.
This is extremely dangerous weather, as these temperatures and heat index values could lead to heat-related illnesses with prolonged exposure. Residents are advised to plan ahead and have a cool place to shelter from the heat. If you must go outdoors, limit your time and pets’ time outside, and avoid strenuous activity during peak heating times of the day.
The City has prepared an extensive list of hot weather resources to protect yourself, loved ones and property at www.naperville.il.us/heatsafety. If you are concerned about a loved one’s well-being during this period of dangerous heat, contact the Naperville Police Department at (630) 420-6666 to arrange for a non-emergency wellness check.
Cooling Centers
The Naperville Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle St., can be used as a cooling center Monday through Friday during normal business hours of 8AM to 5PM.
Residents can also seek shelter at county administrative buildings, libraries, Park District facilities, senior centers, township offices, shopping malls and other public places.
City Service Changes July 18 and July 19
Due to the extreme heat, Groot has announced it will begin garbage and recycling collection one hour earlier than normal on Thursday, July 18, and Friday, July 19. Residents with Thursday and Friday collection should place their containers on the curb before 5AM on their regularly scheduled collection day.
Any additional City service changes will be communicated via the City’s website at www.naperville.il.us/heatsafety.
Residents with questions about an organization’s closures or cancellations should reach out directly to that organization for the most up-to-date information.
Safety Tips / 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.
Sticky Dog Days
Though some relief is expected as temperatures drop next week, be prepared for the drippy dog days of summer.
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!
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