Cooling centers available in Joliet
June 19, 2012 4:30PM
Updated: July 21, 2012 6:20AM
JOLIET — The city of Joliet reminds residents to take precautions to ensure their health, safety and well-being during days of extreme temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the Joliet area will be in the 90s through Wednesday, and heat index values during that time could reach over 100 degrees.
Residents can seek shelter at:
Both the Downtown and Black Road Library branches, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Westfield Louis Joliet mall, from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Daybreak Shelter, 611 E. Cass. (Evenings only: overnight cooling shelter will be open 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.)
Morning Star Mission, 350 E. Washington, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Overnight cooling shelter is men only and open 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.)
Illinois Department of Unemployment Services, 45 E. Webster St.
Illinois Rehabilitation Service Center, 1617 W. Jefferson St.
Please remember to check on the elderly, those with medical conditions and those with special needs during periods of extreme hot weather, the city advises.
During hot weather it’s 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.
Anyone suffering from these symptoms is in a life-threatening situation and 911 should be called immediately.
Residents are advised to:
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.
Stay out of the sun and avoid going out in the heat.
Take cool baths or showers and wear loose, light cotton clothing.
Do not eat heavy meals and 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.
During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local area agencies on aging or the Illinois Department on Aging Senior Help Line at (800) 252-8966 for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other buildings that serve as cooling centers.
