Extreme Heat Requires Extreme Caution

Extreme heat is expected to hit Friday and the National Weather Service is predicting temperatures in Naperville will be in the upper 90s. Coupled with humidity it could feel like 105 degrees.

A heat advisory will be in effect from noon until midnight on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Residents are urged to take caution. The heat and humidity could create oppressive conditions that may lead to health problems. From infants to adults, everyone, including pets, is at risk in such weather, according to the National Weather Service.

If possible, people are encouraged do anything that requires exertion early in the day. Also, try to remain in an air-conditioned environment when possible. Do not leave children or animals inside hot vehicles.

The city of Naperville is asking those who are attending Ribfest to take caution not to become dehydrated.

“This weekend, many families will be celebrating our nation’s independence by heading to local outdoor festivals, including Ribfest,” Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said in a news release. “Extended time outdoors in the sun, heat and humidity can be dangerous. Please use common sense when spending time outside and take precautions to stay hydrated with water and natural juices. Periodic breaks in the shade are also recommended.”

People over 65, infants, children and those with chronic illnesses are at the most risk for heat stress, according to the DuPage County Health Department.

Air conditioning will provide the best defense against the heat, according to the Health Department, so residents are advised to spend as much time inside air-conditioned buildings, including public spaces such as libraries or malls.

For those without air conditioning, it is important to use public areas that are open as cooling centers. In Naperville, the Municipal Center will be open Friday, along with the three public libraries.  

Drinking lots of water is also important during extreme heat, according to the Health Department. The department says it’s important to drink cool, nonalcoholic drinks and to increase fluid intake.

Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down, according to the DuPage County Health Department.

Signs of heat stroke include:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

In such cases it is important to get the person in a shady area immediately, do whatever is possible to cool them down, call for medical help, monitor the person’s body temperature, but do not give them fluids to drink, according to the Health Department.

For more information on how to stay safe in extreme heat visit the DuPage County Health Department’s website. 

The city of Naperville has provided information on staying safe in the heat.

• 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.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but keep windows slightly open.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid going out in the heat.
• Keep lights off or turned down.
• 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 sit in a hot car, even for a short time. Never leave a child or pet in a hot car.
• Check on family members, friends and neighbors to make sure they stay cool and safe.
• If you or anyone you know needs emergency medical attention, call 911.
• 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.

Residents should also familiarize themselves with terms pertaining to heat emergencies:

• An excessive heat watch means conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local excessive heat warning criteria in the next 12 to 48 hours.
• An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following criteria: a heat index of at least 105 degrees for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days, or a heat index more than 115 degrees for any period of time.
• An excessive heat advisory means hazardous heat conditions have begun or will begin within 36 hours and, if caution is not exercised, they could become life threatening.

Tips for seniors

• During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local area agencies on aging or the Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other buildings that serve as cooling centers.

Tips for your pets

• Provide water and shelter from the sun at all times.
• Restrict activity during extreme heat.
• Never leave pets in parked vehicles. Even moderate heat rapidly increases and can kill the pet quickly.

Source: The city of Naperville