Community Corner

Cooling Centers Available In Lemont As Dangerous Heat Expected

The hottest air of the summer is expected, and Lemont is under an excessive heat warning through Tuesday.

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Andrea Earnest, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

LEMONT, IL — The Village of Lemont is reminding residents that cooling centers are open, with dangerous heat expected on Monday and Tuesday.

The hottest air of the summer is expected, and Lemont is under an excessive heat warning through Tuesday.

The Village said cooling centers are open at:

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  • Lemont Park District - CORE Building, 16028 127th Street, 630-257-6787, ext. 3026,
    • Monday – Thursday, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
    • Friday 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    • Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Lemont Public Library, 50 E. Wend Street, 630-257-6541
    • Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Lemont Township Office, 1115 Warner St., 630-257-2522
    • Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Village Hall, 418 Main St., 630-257-1550
    • Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

After hours, you can call the Lemont Police Department’s non-emergency phone number at 630-257-2226 for assistance. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

Citizens with pets or animals should check with the facility about availability and policies before arrival. Facilities may not be able to safely accommodate your pets or animals. Other temporary arrangements may need to be made for their care. At a minimum, all pets and animals always need to be leashed or caged for the safety of everyone in the facility.

Find out what's happening in Lemontfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Staying safe in the heat

The National Weather Service advised, "Consider altering your outdoor plans, including school sports practices. This is the hottest air that we’ve experienced so far this summer."

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency offers a list of cooling centers for those who do not have air conditioning.

The National Weather Service urged residents tow know the symptoms of heat exhaustion: dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, weakness.Residents should move to a cooler area if they experience symptoms, loosen clothing, sip cool water and seek medical help if symptoms don't improve.Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent injury if not treated.

Symptoms of more severe heat stroke include confusion, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If anyone experiences those symptoms, residents should act fast by calling 911, moving them to a cooler area, loosening clothing and applying ice or water.

From IEMA:

  • Know the terms used by the National Weather Service during extreme heat: Heat Wave, Excessive Heat Watch, Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Warning, and Heat Index.
  • 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.
  • 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 the temperature is in the high 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 heat-related 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

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