With dangerously high levels of heat forecast this week across the State of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health and other state agencies warn Illinoisans to take preventive actions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
With heat index forecasts in excess of 100 degrees in the coming days, the Quad Cities also is establishing several local cooling centers for the public to escape the heat. Cooling centers will be located at:
Davenport
- Public libraries; hours vary by location.
- Vera French Carol Center, 808 N. Harrison St.; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Center, 1411 Brady St.; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bettendorf
- Bettendorf Public Library; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Rock Island
- South Rock Island Township, 4330 11th St.; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Christian Care, 2209 3rd Ave.; 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Rock Island Public Libraries; hours vary by location.
“Exposure to extreme heat can cause serious health complications, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a news release. “With dangerously high temperatures and humidity in the forecast, I urge everyone to take precautions and protect themselves and their families from overheating and heat related illnesses. This is especially important for very young children, people who are pregnant and those who are older or have chronic health conditions.”
In addition, IDPH offered these basic steps to protect yourself from heatstroke and heat exhaustion:
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, go to a public place such as a shopping mall or a library to stay cool. Or check for cooling centers at the Keep Cool Illinois website.
- Wear light, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, as it reflects heat and sunlight.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water often and don’t wait until you are thirsty. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you like those that contain caffeine or alcohol.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or in a building without air-conditioning, especially during times of peak heat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim.
- Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Those at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Some symptoms of heatstroke to look out for include: body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, difficulty breathing, elevated heart rate, skin hot to the touch and feeling dizziness, nausea or disorientation. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. While you wait for medical assistance, use ice packs on the neck and underarms and drink cool water to lower your body temperature.
For additional information about heat related illnesses and how to avoid them, visit the web page Hot Weather: Understanding and Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses or follow National Weather Service heat safety website. Ready Illinois, the program run by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, provides information here.
