Latest news with #coolingcenters


CBS News
a day ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Chicago cooling centers, pools, splash pads open during heat wave caused by Midwest heat dome
A Midwest heat dome is driving high temperatures and humidity that will push the Chicago heat index into the triple digits this weekend, but there are plenty of ways and places to cool down in the city when the weather gets this hot. Highs will be in the mid-90s on Saturday, with a heat index over 100 degrees. By Sunday, highs are expected to reach near 97 degrees with sunny skies. The heat will continue into Monday, with another over-100-degree heat index. With the exception of the Garfield Center open 24 hours, the cooling center locations below will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday: · Englewood Center (1140 W. 79th St.) · Garfield Center (10 S. Kedzie, open 24 hours) · King Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Avenue) · North Area Center (845 W. Wilson Ave.) · South Chicago Center (8650 S. Commercial Ave.) · Trina Davila Center (4312 W. North Ave.) Extreme heat may lead to extended cooling center hours, including on weekends. Chicago Public Library locations, police stations and other public facilities may also be made available after hours or on weekends to help people find relief outside of the normal cooling center hours. Chicago libraries, over 30 Chicago Park District fieldhouses, pools, and splash pads are all free to access. Water fountains are available at library locations. For a complete list of locations, visit the Park District's website. Call 311 to locate a center near you or request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from the heat. Chicago swimming pools open Saturday Chicago swimming pools will reopen for the season on June 21. All 50 Chicago Park District pools will be open seven days a week for the first time since 2020. The city said outdoor pools will primarily be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, with some pools having longer hours on weekends. Schedules are now available. Along with the outdoor pools, 27 indoor pools citywide will return to their pre-pandemic schedule of being open six days a week starting June 21. Visit the Chicago Park District's swimming pool directory to find the closest public pool near you, plus its days and hours of operation. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Symptoms and how to treat Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are major risks during a heat wave, especially with high humidity. It is easy to become overheated and dehydrated in high temperatures, so it is essential to make sure you are drinking enough water. Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke. It can develop after several days of exposure to heat and inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement. Heatstroke is a serious illness that happens when the body begins to lose its ability to regulate its own temperature and functions, and can result in permanent disability or death if not treated as quickly as possible. Heat exhaustion symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, high body temperature and decreased urine output. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion move into a cool indoor space or shade immediately, give them liquids to drink, remove unnecessary clothing including shoes and socks, used cold water or a cold compress to cool the person down on their head, face and neck, and frequently sip cold water. The CDC also encourages calling 911 or taking the person to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room for treatment. Heatstroke symptoms include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, hot and dry skin or profuse sweating, very high body temperature, loss of consciousness, and very high body temperature. If treatment is delayed, it can quickly become fatal, the CDC says. If you are with someone experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately and stay with that person until help arrives. Move them into a shaded, cool area and remove their outer clothing then work to cool them down as quickly as you can with cold water or an ice bath if possible. Wet the skin or place cold, wet clothes on the skin, or soak their clothing with cold water. You should also circulate the air around them by fanning to help cool them off. The CDC also recommends placing cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits and groin to help cool them faster.


CBS News
a day ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Southeast Michigan communities to open cooling centers for potential record-high temperatures
Local officials in several Metro Detroit communities are preparing to help residents take shelter from a heat wave that is expected to start Sunday through designating cooling centers. "Even an hour or two in these locations will cool you down," the Oakland County Emergency Management Agency said on its site. These designated sites are air conditioned spaces at dozens of community centers, senior centers, city and township government buildings, recreation facilities, shopping malls and public libraries where local residents are welcome to gather and get a break from the heat. In some cases, police stations and fire stations are among the designated sites. Most are open to the public only during specific times. Locations and drop-in hours are listed at the following links: City of Detroit Livingston County Macomb County Oakland County Washtenaw County Wayne County
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Connecticut braces for heat wave: Here's how to stay safe
Connecticut is preparing for a heat wave starting June 22. According to a community announcement, Gov. Ned Lamont has activated the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol. This protocol will be in effect from noon on June 22 through at least 8 p.m. on June 25. This marks the first time this year that the protocol has been activated. The weather forecast predicts temperatures will exceed 90 degrees, with a heat index ranging from 100 to 105 degrees. The protocol aims to protect vulnerable populations during these extreme conditions. State agencies, municipalities, and partners will coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to provide information on cooling centers available statewide. These centers will offer relief for those in need. Individuals can find their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or visiting where a list will be published online. The protocol includes several actions to ensure effective communication and assistance. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will utilize its WebEOC communications network. This internet-based system allows local, regional, and state emergency management officials to share real-time information about various situations. More: Norwich weather is about to change: Where there could be a heat wave Municipalities and partners will submit information about cooling center openings into the WebEOC, creating a real-time database of available locations. United Way 2-1-1 will act as a clearinghouse to help residents locate these centers. Regional coordinators will monitor WebEOC to respond to requests from municipalities for state assistance. Energy utility companies will provide regular updates on the impact of the weather on their services throughout the protocol's duration. Certain groups are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses. Infants and young children are particularly sensitive to high temperatures and depend on caregivers to provide adequate hydration and a safe environment. Older adults, especially those 65 and older, may struggle to manage heat stress and often do not sense temperature changes effectively. Individuals who are overweight may retain more body heat, increasing their risk of heat sickness. Those who overexert themselves during work or exercise may become dehydrated and more susceptible to heat-related issues. People with existing health conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, or those taking specific medications, may also be affected by extreme heat. To stay safe during periods of extreme heat, residents are advised to keep their body temperature cool. Staying in air-conditioned buildings is recommended. If outdoor activity is necessary, it should be limited to the morning and evening hours. Resting in shady areas can help the body cool down. Finding an air-conditioned location is crucial. Residents are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers. Relying solely on fans is not advisable. Avoiding direct sunlight and wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing can also help. Taking cool showers or baths is recommended, as is checking on at-risk individuals several times a day. Pets should have access to water and shade if they cannot be brought indoors. Leaving pets in parked vehicles is dangerous, as temperatures can rise to life-threatening levels quickly. Staying hydrated is essential during extreme heat. It is advised to drink more water than usual and not wait until feeling thirsty to hydrate. Drinking two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outdoors is recommended. Residents should also avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Reminding others to stay hydrated is important for community safety during this heat wave. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Connecticut activates heat emergency plan — here's what to expect
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ways to beat the heat when Seattle temperatures hit the 80s
The Brief People flocked to Golden Gardens and Aiki Beach to enjoy the warm weather, but authorities warn about the dangers of heat for pets, advising against leaving them in cars and midday walks on hot pavement. Cooling centers opened throughout King County, and Seattle Public Schools are taking measures to keep students cool, with air conditioning in 40% of campuses and ventilation strategies in place for others. SEATTLE - Waves crashing along the shore, the sun glistening on the water, when the sun comes out and so do the people. People of all ages found relief from the heat at Golden Gardens on Monday by the water, but the warm temperatures come with some serious warnings—especially for pets. "Hot weather for pets can be really dangerous," Madison Huffman, Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County said. She says a lot of pets are susceptible to heat stroke because of their fur. Like clockwork, this is the time of year when authorities remind folks to, of course, never leave your furry friends in the car. What they're saying "Leaving your pets in your car is actually against the law in Washington state, because it is so dangerous for our furry friends," Huffman said. "Even if it's 85 degrees out and you're leaving a pet in your car, within 30 minutes, your car can reach temperatures over 100 degrees, which can be fatal for pets." She advises pet owners to avoid taking their dog on midday walks, because the pavement can heat up and burn their paws. "Just wanted to enjoy the weather, get some reading done and tan a bit," Diesel Park said. At Aiki Beach, some people brought tents to enjoy the water and the sun. "We got a book in here, we're big card players, Frisbee, and then maybe a little nap," said Taylor, one beachgoer. "You don't get to see the mountains in the city and be on a beach anywhere," Victoria Perez said. "When you live this close you might as well take advantage of every nice day you get in Seattle." If you can't make it to the water, you can also find some relief from the heat at places like the mall or libraries around town. Dozens of cooling centers open throughout King County on Monday and through tomorrow. FOX 13 reached out to Seattle Public Schools about how they're keeping students cool on days when temperatures reach the 80's and beyond. They shared this statement: "About 40 percent of Seattle Public Schools (SPS) campuses are equipped with air conditioning and will maintain normal indoor temperatures. In schools without air conditioning, ventilation systems were activated early in the morning to cool buildings using night air to keep indoor spaces comfortable, staff are encouraged to open windows, use ceiling and/or portable desktop fans, and close shades during the day to reduce heat from sunlight." The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Shirah Matsuzawa. Search for Travis Decker: Authorities identify 'new details, new search areas' in WA Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past Woman dies after Seattle house fire; arson investigation underway Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle 11 injured after teen speeds, causes fiery crash in Lacey Man hurt after shooting near University of Washington To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
LIST: Seattle-area cooling centers open as summer heat hits western WA
The Brief Cooling centers are opening across western Washington to provide relief from rising summer temperatures. Locations include libraries and spray parks in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. Water safety is also crucial, with experts advising the use of life jackets, swimming with a buddy, and testing water temperatures. SEATTLE - As temperatures rise across western Washington this summer, the region is beginning to open up cooling centers for those seeking shelter from the heat. Cooling centers are open to the public, providing air-conditioned spaces across several different counties. Here's a list of open cooling centers in the Seattle area: The Compass Center Day Center (Seattle) Bothell Library Shoreline Library Woodinville Library Edmonds Library Lynnwood library Mill Creek Library North Lynnwood Spray Park Willis Tucker Park Splash Pad South Hill Pierce County Library Tacoma Public Library locations Water Safety It's also important to remember that as temperatures outside heat up, water temperatures are still much cooler. Experts stress that practicing water safety is crucial at this time of year. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death among kids between ages one to four, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages five to 14. Here's a list of water safety tips to keep in mind this summer: Wear a life jacket Always swim with a buddy Test water temperatures before jumping in Enroll children in swim lessons as early as possible Stay hydrated The Source Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle reporting. WA Gov. Ferguson activates National Guard in search for Travis Decker Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past Man shot, killed at his 21st birthday party in Kent, WA Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle Seattle man charged with string of burglaries at the homes of NFL and MLB stars Rochester dog training facility owner accused of killing employee during video shoot To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.