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Cook County has announced the opening of cooling centers in response to a forecast predicting heat indices as high as 100 degrees for the region from Saturday through Tuesday. These centers will be operational 24 hours at the Skokie, Maywood, and Markham courthouses starting from noon on Saturday, June 21, until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24. Residents without adequate air conditioning are encouraged to utilize these facilities.
The County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security has provided guidelines to ensure safety during this period of excessive heat. Recommendations include staying hydrated while avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks, seeking shade or remaining indoors as much as possible, taking frequent breaks if working outside—preferably in an air-conditioned space—and ensuring pets are brought indoors with sufficient water. The department also stresses the importance of not leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Checking on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and vulnerable individuals is crucial when temperatures rise to extreme levels. For those who must work or spend extended periods outdoors, it is important to monitor for symptoms of heatstroke. Indicators include an extremely high body temperature (103 degrees or above), dizziness, nausea, a throbbing headache with a rapid and strong pulse, and skin that appears red, hot, and dry.
In case of a medical emergency related to heat illness, residents are advised to call 911. A complete list of cooling centers along with their operating hours is available for those in need.
