Cooling Centers in DeKalb

Cooling Centers
The below buildings are available as cooling centers during their normal operational
hours:
DeKalb Senior Center
330 Grove Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

DeKalb Public Library
309 Oak Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. Friday
9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Saturday
1:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. Sunday
If the above Cooling Centers are closed, Hope Haven is a no turn away shelter.
Hope Haven is located at 1145 Rushmore Drive in DeKalb.
Call 815-748-2070 during the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and 815-748-8460
(press 9) after hours to: Locate a Cooling Center; or Request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from extreme weather or in distress.

Extreme Heat… Are You Prepared?

Very hot and humid conditions are forecast for later this week. These hot and humid
conditions may lead to an increased risk of heat related stress and illness, particularly
for the very young, the elderly, and those participating in strenuous outdoor activities.
Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high
humidity, evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a
normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been
overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition.
Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to
succumb to extreme heat.

Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric
conditions and poor air quality. Consequently, people living in urban areas may be at
greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas.
Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which
can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the “urban heat island effect.”
Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify an extreme heat hazard:

• Heat Wave – Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive
  humidity.
• Heat Index – A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels when
  relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can
  increase the heat index by 15 degrees.
• Heat Cramps – Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although
  heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is
  having trouble with the heat.
• Heat Exhaustion – Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a
  hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow
  to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This
  results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim’s condition will worsen.
  Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.
• Heat Stroke – A life-threatening condition. The victim’s temperature control
  system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body
  temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body
  is not cooled quickly.
• Sun Stroke – Another term for heat stroke.
  Take Protective Measures
  Before Extreme Heat

  To prepare for extreme heat, you should:

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such
  as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades,
  awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that
  enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year.
  

  During a Heat Emergency

• The following are guidelines for what you should do if the weather is extremely hot:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as
  libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities.
  Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless
  directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver
  disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should
  consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much
  skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and
  who spend much of their time alone. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Beat the heat, check the back seat!
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.