Emergency Cooling Centers Mobilized

Calumet City Cooling Centers Mobilized

–Mayor encourages neighbors to check on seniors, family members in wake of heat wave

Calumet City ( July 19, 2019) – With Calumet City experiencing extreme heat conditions
expected to near or top 100 degrees through next week, Mayor Michelle Markiewicz
Qualkinbush today reminded local residents that extreme heat can be particularly hazardous for
children, seniors, those with special needs, and pets.

“Please take the time to see that your loved ones, elderly or less fortunate neighbors, are safe and
comfortable during this dangerous heat wave,” the Mayor said.

She added the caution to never leave young children or pets unattended in closed vehicles even
for the shortest of errands.

The Mayor said the City’s has mobilized its two cooling centers, the Calumet City Police
Department, 1200 Pulaski Road, to offer relief 24 hours daily, and the Calumet City Public
Library, 660 S. Manistee Avenue, primarily during daytime hours, Monday thru Thursday 10 – 9
p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 – 4 p.m.

Health authorities say that in addition to discomfort and fatigue, high temperatures can cause
heat-related illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To protect yourself and
others, please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines.

• Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a
wide-brimmed hat.
• Stay in the shade or under awnings as much as possible.
• Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible
to prevent sunburn.

Open 24 Hours:
Calumet City Police Station
1200 Pulaski Rd
Phone: 708-868-2500

Open Daytime Hours:
The Calumet City Public Library
660 S. Manistee Avenue
Monday-Thursday: 10am to 9pm
And Friday & Saturday: 10-4pm
708-862-6220

• Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Water, diluted juices, and electrolyte solutions are best. Stay away from carbonated
drinks.
• Avoid alcohol.
• If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, consult your doctor before
exposing yourself to heat.
• Keep lights in your home low or off, keep shades drawn, and avoid using the oven.
• Keep rooms well ventilated with air conditioners and fans. Keep your windows open if
you don’t have air conditioning or a fan.

Note: Fans will not prevent heat-related illness when temperatures reach upper 90s.

• Cool down with cool, wet towels and periodic cool baths or showers.
• Take advantage of cooling centers, public pools, and air-conditioned stores and malls
during periods of extreme heat.
• Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heatrelated illness.
• Closely monitor children, the elderly, or those who require special care during periods of
intense summer heat.
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. On a hot day,
temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140ºF-190ºF within 30 minutes.
• Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they
are seniors, families with young children, people with special needs, or living alone.
• Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends,
neighbors, or relatives periodically throughout the day.
• Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses.