With the National Weather Service issuing extreme heat warnings, the city is urging all community members to to take preventive actions during the hot weather to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as heath stroke. A number of city buildings are serving as public cooling centers:
• Robert Crown Community Center — 6 a.m., to 10 p.m.
• Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center — 7 a.m., to 9 p.m.
• Evanston Public Library — 10 a.m., to 8 p.m.
Community members are encouraged take the following actions to prevent heat-related illnesses:
- Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol, caffeine and high salt intake
- Stay in cool, shaded areas while outdoors, and keep the blinds drawn or lights down indoors
- Use air conditioners or fans; avoid excessive exposure to heat in unventilated areas
- Reduce physical activity
- Take cool baths or showers, and use cool towels
- Wear loose, light cotton clothing and a breathable hat
- Eat light meals; avoid eating heavy meals and using the oven
- Do not leave people or pets alone in a hot car, even for a few minutes.
Another way to beat the heat — visit the city’s beaches.
For more information call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, community members may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.