Chicago and surrounding areas have a heat warning for the next couple of days, July 23 and July 24. During times like these, it is important that everyone take precautions to stay safe. Extreme temperatures pose a significant danger, and older adults are particularly vulnerable. Here are some things to know now and in future heat waves.
Please share this guidance and resources with anyone you know who could benefit from it!
What to do Now
- Drink more water.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sodas. Although these beverages may sound or feel refreshing, they can actually contribute to dehydration.
- Wear loose, light, cotton clothing
- Take cool baths and showers
- Avoid exercising or exerting yourself
- Stay in an air-conditioned space – whether it’s your home or a public place.
- If you need to find a cool location, call 311 to find the nearest location near you.
- If you don’t have air conditioning at home, here are some things that can help you keep your home cooler:
- Draw shades, blinds, or curtains and keep windows slightly open.
- Keep electric lights low or turn them off
- Avoid using the oven or stove
- Do not sit in a hot car, even for a short time. Do not leave pets or children in cars.
Call 3-1-1 if
- You need to find a cooling location near you.
- You need to request a wellness check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, or any vulnerable populations.
If there is a medical emergency due to a heat-related illness, call 911.
More about Cooling Centers
The City of Chicago offers cooling areas in community service centers at the following locations:
- 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
- DFSS Senior Centers
- Chicago Park District Buildings
- Chicago Public Libraries
- City Colleges of Chicago
- Chicago Police District locations
Call 3-1-1 to find the nearest cooling locations and hours. For additional cooling center locations outside of Chicago, check your city’s website for information or visit 2025 Illinois Cooling Centers for state resources.
Know the Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Being in the heat for too long, even if you are just sitting or lying in it, can result in heat stroke. Heat strokes can be fatal and are a medical emergency. Symptoms includes:
- Headache
- Red, dry face
- Skin that is hot to the touch
- A body temperature of 105 F or more
- A strong pulse
- Loss of consciousness in extreme cases
- Seizures and/or irregular heartbeat
If you, or someone with you, experiences these symptoms, the affected individual should seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, the following steps can be taken:
- Ensure the person is in a semi-sitting position (not lying down)
- Loosen or remove clothing
- Spray their body with room temp (not cold!) water
- Cool by a large fan
- If the person has a seizure, ensure they do not strike an object and do not put anything in their mouth
Resources:
- Illinois Department of Public Health’s “Summer? No Sweat. A Summer Survival Guide
- State of Illinois’ Keep Cool Illinois Webpage
- State of Illinois’ 2025 Illinois Cooling Centers Map
- City of Chicago Emergency Management & Communications Update on July 21, 2025 “National Weather Service in Chicago Issues an Extreme Heat Watch for Wednesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 24”
- City of Chicago Emergency Management & Communications’ Beat the Heat Webpage
- City of Chicago Cooling Areas Webpage
