|
Public safety is the top priority of the City of Chicago and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. City departments remind residents and visitors that resources are available to help alleviate the impact so everyone can stay healthy and safe.
Should conditions deteriorate amid the expected heat and humidity, OEMC will coordinate the City’s response with City departments to assist residents and vulnerable populations.
Chicago OEMC App
For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, cooling center locations, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, and much more. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information. The app is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, or visit the website at Chicago.gov/OEMC.
EXTREME HEAT and HUMIDITY
OEMC monitors weather conditions 24/7 with the National Weather Service (NWS) from the City’s Operations Center and issues alerts for advisories, watches, and warnings for extreme situations. If conditions warrant, an extreme heat warning will be issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when the following triggers are met:
- Peak heat index is expected to reach 100°F to 105°F for three consecutive days
- Peak heat index is expected to exceed 105°F-110°F for at least two consecutive days
- The peak heat index is forecast to reach 110°F or higher for one day.
Once issued, the city’s emergency response plan is activated.
To receive the latest updates on heat/storm advisories and weather emergencies, residents can register for the City’s emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org, check OEMC’s social media pages, tune in to local media or download the Chicago OEMC App.
Available Cooling Centers
DFSS Community Service Centers
The Department of Family and Support Services’ (DFSS) six community service centers activate cooling areas during periods of extreme heat at 90˚F and above.
The cooling areas operate from Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
- Auburn Gresham Center – 1140 W. 79th Street
- Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
- King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove
- North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.
DFSS Senior Centers
Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s senior centers (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. except Renaissance Court, which is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.). DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors about key safety measures during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations.
Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago Police District Locations
During hours of operation, residents can also find relief at one of the City’s Chicago Public Library locations, City Colleges of Chicago main campus locations, Chicago Park District fieldhouses, and pools and splash pads located throughout the city. Also, the Chicago Police Department’s 22 district stations are available 24 hours a day for relief from the heat and to connect with shelter. Note: Chicago Public Library and Chicago Park District locations are open on weekends during their hours of operation.
For locations, visit Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal or chi.gov/cooling. Residents should contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. Note: Only the Park District facilities listed on the data portal have air conditioning, as some facilities are not air-conditioned.
Well-Being Checks
When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, it is important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable populations. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a well-being check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat-related illness, call 9-1-1.
Homeless Services
Anyone seeking shelter may contact 3-1-1 to request shelter placement.
- The Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) – 2241 S. Halsted St.
- Provides shelter placement assistance and overflow beds for single adults.
- Not a cooling center or shelter—call ahead to ensure availability: (773) 825-3956
- The Salvation Army Emergency Assessment and Resource Center (EHARC) – 924 N. Christiana Ave.
- Provides shelter placement assistance and overflow beds for families with children under 18.
- Not a cooling center or shelter—call ahead to ensure availability: (872) 281-7610
- DFSS-funded shelters
- Most operate 24/7 year-round.
- DFSS typically activates all overnight shelters to operate 24/7 throughout extreme weather conditions.
- DFSS funds delegate agencies for expanded operations.
Street Outreach Teams
DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention (HOP) teams and street outreach partners work proactively with unhoused individuals to conduct well-being checks and connect with cooling options and shelter. DFSS activates street outreach teams to ensure continued support for unsheltered residents on days when some city services are closed. Outreach teams:
- Offer transportation to warming or cooling centers;
- Distribute weather-appropriate essentials (water, hygiene supplies, etc.); and,
- Provide informational resources, bus cards and food gift cards.
Tips to Beat the Heat - Heat Safety Tips from Marvel's Ironheart
- Stay hydrated – drink lots of water, AVOID alcohol, caffeine, sodas.
- Stay inside; if you do not have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
- Keep electric lights off or turn them down.
- Minimize use of your oven and stove.
- Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
- Take cool baths and showers.
- Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
| 
