Heat Advisory Tips

Heat WaveHigh temperatures are a dangerous risk to those how do not know the signs. Know the terms used by the National Weather Service during these periods:
  • Heat Watch - Excessive heat is possible in the next day or two.
  • Heat Advisory - High and potentially dangerous values of heat index are occurring, imminent, or highly likely. Prolonged exposure to heat and/or strenuous activity may result in heat-related illness. In Illinois, heat advisories are issued for a daytime maximum heat index of 105 and nighttime minimum of 80.
  • Heat Warning - Life threatening heat is occurring, imminent or highly likely. Take precautions! In Illinois a heat warning is issued for a daytime maximum heat index of 115 with a minimum of 80. In the city of Chicago a heat warning is issued for any of the following; 3 days of heat index 100-105 with a minimum heat index of 75, 2 days of maximum heat index of 105-110 or any day with maximum heat index of 115.
​Reminders
In addition to knowing the terms, keep the following in mind:
  • Check NOAA Weather Radio for the latest forecast when planning outdoor activity.
  • Have a place to cool off. If you don't have air conditioning, find out if your community has cooling centers.
  • Some cities open schools, park buildings, or other air conditioned public buildings as cooling shelters. Plan to spend some time at a library or shopping mall, or with a family member or neighbor.
  • Check on elderly or ill neighbors and family members.
  • Learn the symptoms of potential heat disorders and the proper first aid for each.
Common Sense Practices
Common sense is the best defense. Some easy tips to remember for heat safety are:
  • Spend some time in air conditioning, if possible. Even just two hours a day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
  • Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don't feel thirsty.
  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning from 4 to 7 a.m.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy.
  • Avoid going out in the blazing heat, if you can.
  • If you must be out in the sun, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows open slightly.
  • Keep lights down low or turned off.
  • Take cool baths or showers periodically, use cool wet towels.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
  • Avoid using the oven.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine such as coffee, tea and cola. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.
  • Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
  • Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 to 190 within 30 minutes on a hot day.
  • Make sure pets have plenty of shade and water to drink.