By Steve Sadin
With potentially life threatening heat forecast for the Chicago area through Saturday night, the village of Lincolnshire is providing cooling centers and officials are urging caution with the feel- like temperature expected to exceed 100 degrees.
Village Manager Brad Burke said Village Hall will be open to residents as a cooling center.
Friday is scheduled to be the hottest day of the year and the three-day span, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 90s and feel like its 100 to 115 degrees.
Hannah Goering, the communications manager for the Lake County Department of Health, said people should stay cool, hydrated and informed during the spate of excessive heat. She said too much time outside is dangerous.
“Prolonged exposure to high heat can lead to heat related illnesses which can be fatal,” Goering said. “Stay indoors as much as possible. If you have to be outside wear lightweight, light colored loosely fitting clothing. Limit your exposure to the sun.”
Goering said senior citizens, young children and people with chronic diseases like heart conditions and high blood pressure are at risk the most. Persons who take medication for depression, insomnia and poor circulation are also considered high risk.
Not only is hydration important, but Goering said certain beverages like alcohol and sugary drinks cause dehydration and should be avoided.
“Drink plenty of water,” Goering said.
People should be watching out for each other. Goering said frequent well being checks on those without air conditioning is important because conditions inside can change quickly in a few hours. Pets need to be attended to as well.
“We need to be good neighbors,” Goering said. “If it is too hot for humans it’s too hot for pets,” she added referring to animal care.
If people are going to exercise outside during the heat, Georing said they should do less and take it slower.
Though Village Hall will be open as a cooling center on a 24-hour basis, Burke said the public can walk in through the front door between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. At other times, those wishing to cool off there need to use the Police Department intercom system in the lobby.
Assistance will be provided by the Lincolnshire Police Department.
“Police department personnel are responsible for providing after hours support at the Village Hall should members of the public need to access the Village Hall to get out of the heat,” Burke said in an email.
Burke said the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire is another place to cool off during normal business hours.
Though the village does not have a municipal swimming pool, Burke said the beach and lake at Spring Lake Park is open daily for swimming with lifeguards on duty between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
“The pond at Spring Lake Park will provide a refreshing break from the heat,” Burke said.
When the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District responds to calls during the heat wave, Chief Tom Krueger said they will get people extra assistance if it is needed.
Steve Sadin is a freelancer.
