We’re looking at some uncomfortable and potentially dangerous temperatures across Illinois over the next few days. Make sure you know how to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses.
- Know the terms used by the National Weather Service during extreme heat: Heat Wave, Excessive Heat Watch, Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Warning, and Heat Index.
- Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Stay in the shade or under awnings as much as possible.
- Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn.
- Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water, diluted juices, and electrolyte solutions are best. Stay away from carbonated drinks.
- Avoid alcohol.
- If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, consult your doctor before exposing yourself to heat.
- Keep lights in your home low or off, keep shades drawn, and avoid using the oven.
- Keep rooms well-ventilated with air conditioners and fans. Keep your windows open if you don’t have air conditioning or a fan. Note: Fans will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature is in the high 90s.
- Cool down with cool, wet towels and periodic cool baths or showers.
- Take advantage of cooling centers, public pools, and air-conditioned stores and malls during periods of extreme heat.
- Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness.
- Closely monitor children, the elderly, or those who require special care during periods of intense summer heat.
- Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. On a hot day, temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140ºF-190ºF within 30 minutes.
- Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, families with young children, people with special needs, or living alone.
- Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends, neighbors, or relatives periodically throughout the day.
- Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Here is a list of cooling centers in east-central Illinois. Stay safe, District 104!