Local Cooling Centers Listed on Will County Website

     With heat indexes predicted to reach 100, Will County has collected a list of local cooling centers that is now available on the front page of the county website: www.willcountyillinois.com.

     These centers are located in various police departments, public libraries, and other municipal buildings across Will County. Basic hours of operations are 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and can be verified by contacting the respective agency at the telephone number on the list of centers.

     Will County Executive Larry Walsh encourages residents to use caution during the predicted heat wave and take advantage of these cooling centers if needed.

     “Any extreme temperature can wreck havoc on one’s health,” Walsh said. “I am proud of our communities coming together to offer these important cooling centers to preserve the health and safety of our residents. It doesn’t take long for someone to become overheated and the health effects can be very dangerous.”

          The effects of extreme heat conditions on the human body are cumulative and can lead to a variety of health complications, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body cope with dangerously high heat index values.

     Symptoms of heat-related illness include headaches, skin that is hot to the touch, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, seizures and irregular heartbeats.
     For more information on heat-related illness and heat emergencies, visit the Illinois Department of Health website at www.idph.state.il.us.