CHICAGO – With temperatures soaring this week, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is urging Illinoisans to take advantage of more than 120 state facilities that serve as cooling centers. \\
Missourians are also urged to seek out cooling center if they need to. https://data.mo.gov/widgets/2wki-9iz8?mobile_redirect=true
The cooling centers provide a place to stay cool and comfortable during the scorching hot days of summer.
The cooling centers will be open to the public during regular business hours so anyone seeking refuge from the heat has a cool place to go when the temperature climbs.
More information on the Illinois cooling centers is available by calling the IDHS toll-free hotline (800-843-6154). Find the nearest cooling center here: Cooling Centers (illinois.gov)
Seniors are also at risk during extremely hot weather and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) provides Summer Tips to seniors statewide through its network of Area Agencies on Aging. Working with its partners in the Aging Network, IDoA provides materials outlining dangers associated with the summer weather, performs well-being checks on vulnerable seniors, provides cooling centers at senior centers, adult day service centers and nutrition sites as well as extended hours and transportation as requested.
Seniors are at an increased risk especially if they take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition or who have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local Area Agencies on Aging or the Senior HelpLine (800-252-8966) for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other familiar buildings that serve as cooling centers.