CHICAGO – The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages residents to be prepared for heat and humidity this holiday weekend. OEMC and City departments are reminding residents and visitors of the resources available to help alleviate the impact so everyone can stay healthy and safe.

 

Public safety is the top priority of the City of Chicago and OEMC will work closely with the National Weather Service in Chicago to monitor conditions. At this time there are no extreme heat advisories, watches or warnings Should conditions deteriorate with the expected heat and humidity, OEMC will coordinate the City’s response by working with departments citywide to assist residents and vulnerable populations.

 

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 wellbeing 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.

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 as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.

 

Community Service Centers, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Senior Centers, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Note: Renaissance Court located at 78 E Washington hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For locations visit Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal. Residents should contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. Note: Only the Chicago Park District facilities listed on the data portal provide access to air conditioning, as some facilities are not air-conditioned.

 

The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) advises property owners and building managers to check their electrical and cooling equipment to make sure it is in working order. On days when the heat index exceeds 80°F, certain residential buildings must provide air conditioning in all apartments or have an air-conditioned indoor common gathering area known as a cooling center. For additional information on the 2022 Cooling Ordinance visit Chicago.gov/cooling.

The Chicago Park District urges patrons to enjoy the beaches safely and responsibly and look for “No Swimming Allowed” signage that indicates that swimming is not sanctioned in that area. Visitors should consult the district’s website or social media platforms to ensure water conditions are safe for swimming before heading out to the beach and only enter the water when a lifeguard is on duty. Swim hours are 11am to 7pm, daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visit links: Water Safety and chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Create a Smart911 profile now to include vital information to share with first responders if needed. A new feature has been added to include if you have air conditioning in your home or apartment for heat emergencies. This is useful information for first responders if they are responding to vulnerable residents, particularly seniors. To edit your profile or sign-up, visit Smart911.com.

 

Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or events:

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).