CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Health officials are warning people about dangerous heat that is projected for this week across central Illinois.
>>Where to find cooling centers across central Illinois
The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously high temperatures and humidity, with heat index values that could reach between 105 and 112 degrees.
The most intense heat is projected for Wednesday and Thursday.
Overnight temperatures are only expected to fall into the mid-70s.
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is warning people to be on the lookout for heat-related illnesses and to take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Heat-related illnesses can range from mild heat exhaustion to serious and even life-threatening illnesses like heat stroke.
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. As the body's temperature rises fast, it loses the ability to cool itself through sweating. A body temperature of 106 degrees or higher within ten to 15 minutes can result in death or permanent disability.
Signs of heat-related illness include:
- Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
- Strong, fast pulse
- Red, hot, and dry skin with no signs of sweating
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea
The health department reminds people to never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked car even for a few minutes with windows partially open.
Heat-related illnesses are more prevalent among children, adults over 65, and pets.
To take care of yourself and avoid heat-related illness:
- Stay hydrated. Drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages daily. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and can cause an increased risk of dehydration.
- Limit activity during peak heat. Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing.
- Make sure to cool down if you are feeling yourself get overheated. Taking a cool shower or sponge bath can help.
- Seek out air-conditioned spaces. If your home is not air-conditioned, visit places like malls, libraries, grocery stores, or cooling centers to stay safe.
The Salvation Army of Champaign is opening a temporary 24-hour emergency shelter available between Sunday, July 20 through Saturday, July 26 in response to the extreme heat.
The shelter will serve adults experiencing homelessness who are referred to by Strides Shelter. Eligible people must complete an intake at Strides Shelter between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. daily. After intake, they should return for evening check-in between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to be placed on the emergency shelter wait list.
Strides will provide transportation to The Salvation Army. Do not drop people off at the shelter directly.
The following list of other cooling centers are available:
- Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign
- Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana
- Market Place Mall, 2000 N. Neil St., Champaign
- Forum Fitness Center, 200 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul
- Rantoul Police Department, 109 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul
- Champaign Park District, Leonhard Center, 2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign
- Champaign Park District, Martens Center, 1515 N. Market St., Champaign
- Urbana Park District, Health and Wellness Facility, 2002 E. Washington St., Urbana
- Public buildings, including libraries and municipal, state, and federal buildings, during normal business hours.
CUPHD also maintains a Google map of cooling center locations: https://bit.ly/keepsafeChampaign.
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