Excessive Heat Warning Until 9 p.m. Thursday

An excessive heat warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. 

Heat indices will remain between 100 and 105 through the early afternoon, the warning said, though at 1 p.m., the National Weather Service reported a heat index of 108 degrees in Woodridge. 

An excessive heat warning means a combination of heat and high humidity and a likely situation for heat illnesses. 

Thursday is also an air pollution action day, so those with respiratory problems should take extra care to stay indoors and avoid prolonged exposure outside. 

A weak cool front is expected to pass through this evening, gradual easing the heat. 

Here is a list of cooling centers in Woodridge if needed: 

•  (2600 Center Drive): 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday – Friday
•  (3 Plaza Drive) : 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
• : 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

After 10 p.m., you can go to the Lisle Police Department at 5040 Lincoln Avenue in Lisle.

Stay cool, stay safe

Noting that heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States, the National Weather Service offers the following heat wave safety tips:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

• Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

• Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney,or liver disease, (2) are on fluid-restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.

• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult

Know these heat disorder symptoms (and how to treat them):

• SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

• HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

• HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First aid: Get victim out of sun. Lie down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to an air-conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

• HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106 degrees or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First aid: Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.