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OEMC monitors weather conditions 24/7 with the National Weather Service (NWS) from the City’s Operations Center and issues alerts for advisories, watches, and warnings for extreme situations. If conditions warrant, an extreme heat warning will be issued by the NWS when the following triggers are met:
- Peak heat index is expected to reach 100° to 105° for three consecutive days
- Peak heat index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F for at least two consecutive days
- Peak heat index is forecasted at 110° or higher for one day.
Once issued, the city’s emergency response plan is activated.
To receive the latest updates on heat/storm advisories and weather emergencies, residents can register for the City’s emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org, check OEMC’s social media pages, tune in to local media or download the Chicago OEMC App.
Available Cooling Centers
Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 (262 locations)
- The Department of Family and Support Services’ (DFSS) six community service centers activate cooling areas during periods of extreme heat at 90˚ degrees and above. When activated, the cooling areas typically operate Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Garfield Center will be open for cooling on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago Police District Locations
- During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s Chicago 79 Public Library locations, seven City Colleges of Chicago main campus locations, 43 Chicago Park District fieldhouses, as well as pools and 143 splash pads located throughout the city, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com. Also, the Chicago Police Department’s 22 district stations are available 24 hours for relief from the heat and to be connected with shelter.
Monday, June 23 and Tuesday June 24 (288 locations)
DFSS Community Service Centers
- Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th Street
- Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave
- 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
DFSS Senior Centers
Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s 21 senior centers (Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note: Renaissance Court located at 78 E Washington hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations.
Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago Police District Locations
During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s Chicago 79 Public Library locations, seven City Colleges of Chicago main campus locations, 43 Chicago Park District fieldhouses, as well as pools and 143 splash pads located throughout the city, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com. Also, the Chicago Police Department’s 22 district stations are available 24 hours for relief from the heat and to be connected with shelter.
For locations visit Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal. Residents should contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. Note: Only the Park District facilities listed on the data portal provide access to air conditioning, as some facilities are not air-conditioned.
Well-Being Checks
When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, it is important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable populations. 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. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat related illness, call 9-1-1.
The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) advises property owners and building managers to check their electrical and cooling equipment to make sure it is in working order. On days when the heat index exceeds 80°F, certain residential buildings must provide air conditioning in all apartments or have an air-conditioned indoor common gathering area known as a cooling center. For additional information on the 2022 Cooling Ordinance visit Chicago.gov/cooling.
Smart911
Create a Smart911 profile now to include vital information to share with first responders if needed. A new feature has been added to include if you have air conditioning in your home or apartment for heat emergencies. This is useful information for first responders if they are responding to vulnerable residents, particularly seniors. To edit your profile or sign-up, visit Smart911.com.
Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or events:
- CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
- CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).
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