Naperville: Residents Encouraged to Take Precautions During Period of Excessive Heat

As dangerous and life-threatening hot weather approaches the Naperville area, residents are asked to prepare themselves and loved ones for this period of extreme heat.

A period of dangerous heat is forecast Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 20, with the hottest conditions expected on Friday, July 19. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening, with heat indices expected to reach 104 to 114 degrees each afternoon during that time. This is extremely dangerous weather, as these temperatures and heat index values could lead to heat-related illnesses with prolonged exposure. Residents are advised to plan ahead and have a cool place to shelter from the heat. If you must go outdoors, limit your time and pets' time outside, and avoid strenuous activity during peak heating times of the day.

The City has prepared an extensive list of hot weather resources to protect yourself, loved ones and property at www.naperville.il.us/heatsafety. If you are concerned about a loved one's well-being during this period of dangerous heat, contact the Naperville Police Department at (630) 420-6666 to arrange for a non-emergency wellness check.

Cooling Centers

The Naperville Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle St., can be used as a cooling center Monday through Friday during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also seek shelter at county administrative buildings, libraries, Park District facilities, senior centers, township offices, shopping malls and other public places.

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City Service Changes

Due to the extreme heat, Groot has announced it will begin garbage and recycling collection one hour earlier than normal on Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 19. Residents with Thursday and Friday collection should place their containers on the curb before 5 a.m. on their regularly scheduled collection day.

Any additional City service changes will be communicated via the City's website at www.naperville.il.us/heatsafety. Residents with questions about an organization's closures or cancelations should reach out directly to that organization for the most up-to-date information.

Safety Tips

During hot weather, it is important to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do if you or someone you know is suffering from either of these conditions. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, headache, cool and clammy skin, heavy perspiration, shallow breathing, muscle tremors and cramping.

Additional symptoms for heat stroke, which can be fatal, include severe headache, a red and dry face, skin that is hot to the touch, rapid and shallow breathing, significantly elevated body temperature, weak pulse, changes in consciousness and seizures or cardiac arrhythmias. Any person suffering from these symptoms is in a life-threatening situation and 9-1-1 should be called immediately.

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The following are hot weather tips to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses:

Stay in an air-conditioned space at home, the library, the mall, movie theater or at a cooling center. Drink lots of water and natural juices. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and soft drinks. Stay out of the sun and avoid going out in the heat. Keep electric lights off or turned down. To conserve energy yet remain comfortable, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a thermostat setting of 78 degrees. Take cool baths or showers. Wear loose, light cotton clothing. Do not eat heavy meals. Avoid cooking with your oven. Avoid or minimize physical exertion. Do not leave children in cars. Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying. Check on family members, friends and neighbors to make sure they stay cool and safe. Those without air conditioning, the elderly, small children and pets are extremely vulnerable to these conditions. Please check on them frequently. It is against the law to open a fire hydrant. An open hydrant hinders the fire department's ability to fight fires, reduces water pressure in your home and may cause basement flooding. Never leave pets in parked vehicles. Even moderate heat rapidly increases and can kill the pet quickly.

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