Lake County will be facing potentially dangerous heat this weekend, meaning residents will need to be careful about keeping cool.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from Saturday morning to Monday night for Cook County and some areas of Lake County, warning of heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees.
Throughout Lake County, the NWS is predicting hot and humid conditions with temperature highs in the mid-90s
Gale Graves, vice president of community impact with United Way of Lake County, said Lake County and United’s 211 websites provide resources on cooling centers in the area.
Residents can also reach out to 211’s team, available 24/7, for help finding the nearest cooling center or other services during extreme heat by calling 2-1-1 or texting their zip code to 898-211.
Mundelein Fire Department Deputy Chief Jeremy Lockwood said it was important for people to stay hydrated, wear light clothes, and avoid outdoor activities if possible.
Graves advised covering up from the sun while still dressing light, and staying in the shade when outdoors.
If someone is showing any signs of heat-related illness, Lockwood said to call 911 immediately and begin working to help cool them down.
Symptoms include profuse sweating, flushed skin, nausea, severe headaches, and, in extreme cases of heat stroke, a lack of sweating as the body becomes dehydrated.
To assist, Lockwood said to take the person out of the sun, contact emergency services, and try to bring down the temperature of the core areas of their body.
Lockwood advised residents to practice “situational awareness,” especially for any elderly neighbors and other vulnerable populations that might not have the resources to stay safe in the heat.
“Be aware and be safe,” Lockwood said. “Take care of each other and we’ll get through this.”
When indoors, Graves said to avoid cooking or using the oven if possible, and to try to get a breeze going through the house. However, she said opening a window might not always be a good idea.
“Sometimes it’s helpful to have windows open. Other times it is not. It just kind of depends on where people live,” she said.
Pets will also need help keeping cool, Graves said. Having a pool of water or sprinklers to keep cool, keeping them hydrated, and avoiding concrete that can get hot in the sun are all good ideas for people’s four-legged friends.
While the summer heat is always expected, Graves said it can still take people by surprise every year.
“Once your home, your space, gets hot, it is really hard to cool it off,” she said. “So I do think that we’re not always prepared.”
