How to Stay Cool During the Hot Chicago Summers

It’s a real scorcher! Dr. Brian Borah (Medical Director for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Surveillance) and Dr. Alexander Sloboda (Medical Director overseeing Immunizations and Emergency Preparedness with CDPH) talk about hot weather, heat-related illness, and what everyone can do to stay safe and healthy this summer.What are some heat-related symptoms to look out for?👉 Cramps, dehydration, tiredness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, blacking out, confusion, slurred speech.How can you stay safe and avoid these conditions this summer?👉 Stay hydrated – drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sodas.👉 Stay inside, if you do not have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.👉 Keep electric lights off or turned down.👉 Minimize use of your oven and stove.👉 Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.👉 Take cool baths and showers.👉 Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.👉 Check in on relatives and neighbors, including during the evening and nighttime hours.👉 If needed, take shelter at city cooling centers, libraries and park district facilities, or a friend or relative’s home that has air conditioning.👉 If you or someone near you experiences acute symptoms or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 and seek a cool indoor location right away.Learn more with our Heat Preparedness one-pager.