July 16, 2020
WHAT: The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising that temperatures over the next few days and through the weekend are expected to warm into the mid-90s with a potential peak heat index of 105 degrees or above.
The OEMC Operations Center will monitor the weather appropriately and remain in constant contact with the National Weather Service.
WHEN: Beginning Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19, residents will have access to cooling centers, libraries, Chicago Park District splash pads and other options as needed to get relief from high temperatures and humidity that can pose a health and safety threat.
WHERE: To find relief from extreme heat this week, residents can call 3-1-1 or visit 311.chicago.gov for locations. For timely updates and other information, follow OEMC on Twitter via the handle @ChicagoOEMC and sign up for free emergency alerts at NotifyChicago.org.
DFSS will activate their six cooling centers and six Regional Senior Centers beginning today and Friday, July 17. Community Service Centers and Senior Centers are only open during regular business hours, Monday-Friday. However, the *Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie Ave will be open through the weekend.
Cooling areas hours are, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations.
• Englewood Center–1140 W. 79th Street
• *Garfield Center–10 S. Kedzie Ave. (Will be open on Thursday, July 16 and Sunday, July 19, 9 a.m.–5 p.m as well)
• King Center–4314 S. Cottage Grove
• North Area Center–845 W. Wilson Ave.
• South Chicago Center–8650 S. Commercial Ave.
• Trina Davila Center–4312 W. North Ave.
Cooling areas for seniors are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations.
• Central West Center–2102 W. Ogden Avenue
• Northeast (Levy) Senior Center–2019 W. Lawrence Avenue
• Northwest (Copernicus) Senior Center–3160 N. Milwaukee Avenue
• Renaissance Court–78 E. Washington Street (Open only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Southeast (Atlas) Senior Center – 1767 E. 79th Street
• Southwest Center–6117 S. Kedzie Avenue
The City of Chicago’s heat plan includes new measures to protect against the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic while also ensuring every resident can safely cool off. Per public health guidance, DFSS has implemented deep cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and reconfigured cooling areas to accommodate physical distancing that enables visitors to stay at least six feet apart. Other protocols include wearing a face covering, masks will be provided if you don’t have one.
Stay Cool–Stay Connected. Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during the next few days. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a wellbeing check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1.
Additional emergency preparedness information and tips are available on OEMC’s website Chicago.gov/OEMC: .
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