Cook County Courthouse Cooling Centers Open During Excessive Heat

Cook County will open cooling centers as extreme heat is forecasted for the region from Sunday through Tuesday.& Cook County will open cooling centers at the County’s Skokie, Maywood and Markham Courthouses 24 hours from Sunday, Aug. 25 at 12 p.m. through Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Residents without adequate access to air conditioning are encouraged to seek respite at a cooling center.& The County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security offers the following tips during excessive summer heat to help residents stay safe:& Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks& Try to stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible& If working outside, take frequent breaks, preferably in an air-conditioned space& Take pets indoors and ensure they have plenty of water& Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle& It’s also important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors and members of vulnerable populations when temperatures climb to extreme levels.& & If you must work or spend extended time outdoors, watch for symptoms of heatstroke i.e., when the body starts to lose its ability to regulate itself. Telltale signs of heatstroke include: & An extremely high body temperature, such as 103 degrees or above ...