Heat Wave Do's and Don'ts

Day three of a week-long heat wave is underway, and it seems the worst is yet to come.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for much of the Chicago area, including Cook County. The warning is effective 7 a.m. Wednesday to 4 p.m. Friday.

Temperatures will reach about 95 degrees Wednesday, but with the heat index it will feel as hot as 107 degrees. The heat will continue Thursday when temperatures are forecasted to reach about 94 degrees with a heat index of 105.

On Friday, meteorologists are forecasting a high of 90 degrees with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms.

The American Red Cross has a heat wave safety page created to address questions and concerns about the high temperatures.

To stay safe during a heat wave the American Red Cross offers some dos and don’ts:

DO

• Slow down.

• Avoid strenuous activity. If that’s not possible, try to do it during the coolest part of the day—usually between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. 

• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest level, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, which reflect away some of the sun's energy.

• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.

• Eat small meals and eat more often.

DON’T 

• Drink anything with alcohol or caffeine because they dehydrate the body.

• Eat foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.

• Use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.