With hot weather expected this week, Governor Pat Quinn today is urging residents to take advantage of the state’s cooling centers. This summer, Governor Quinn opened more than 100 cooling centers around Illinois in order to help those without air conditioning beat the heat. The cooling centers are located at Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offices throughout the state. IDHS cooling centers are open to the public during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p..m. A list of locations are below. You can also go to keepcool.illinois.gov to search for the Cooling Center nearest you.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, 1100 NORTH CHENEY, TAYLORVILLE
COLES COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, 119 WEST STATE STREET, CHARLESTON
LOGAN COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, 1550 4TH STREET, LINCOLN
MACOUPIN COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, 201 MCCAUSLAND, CARLINVILLE
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, 210 EAST FAIRGROUND AVE, HILLSBORO
MORGAN COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, 45-47 SOUTH CENTRAL PARK PLAZA, JACKSONVILLE
SANGAMON COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, 100 SOUTH MARTIN LUTHER KING DR SPRINGFIELD
SANGAMON COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (DRS), 535 W. Jefferson, 1st fl SPRINGFIELD
SHELBY COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, 610 WEST MAIN STREET SHELBYVILLE
Additional cooling centers available this week will be at Taylorville Fire Department, Midland Fire Station, Taylorville Memorial Hospital and Pana Hospital
To prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke during hot weather, take the following measures:
• Try to keep cool during extremely high temperature.
• Stay in a cool environment (preferably air conditioned).
• Limit outdoor activities. • Avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.
• Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself.
• Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes.
• Drink plenty of cool fluids (like water) regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – they cause you to lose more body fluids..
• Take care of your pets. Give extra water and be sure to place the water dish in a shaded area if outdoors. Make sure pets have a protected place where they can get away from the sun.
