Cooling Areas at Community Service Centers
Cooling areas at Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services six community service centers are activated when the City’s emergency response plan is in place or as conditions warrant. When online, cooling centers operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays – Fridays.
Northside Community Service Center
845 W. Wilson Ave
312-744-2580
Public Libraries in the 46th Ward
Utilizing Chicago Public Library facilities is another way to beat the heat during extreme temperatures.
Bezazian Library Branch
1226 W. Ainslie Street
312-744-0019
More information on their hours of operation can be found on their website here.
Uptown Library Branch
929 W Buena Ave
312- 744-8400
More information on their hours of operation can be found on their website here.
Senior Centers
Senior residents of the 46th Ward who are looking to beat the heat are encouraged to visit any of the Department of Family and Support Services Senior Center locations which are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Northeast (Levy) Senior Center
2019 W. Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
312.744.0784(voice)
Edgewater Satellite Senior Center
5917 N. Broadway 60660
312.742.5323
Well-being Checks
City resources and plans are more impactful with the support of every Chicagoan. We all should make a special effort to check on friends and neighbors during heat waves, especially older adults, young children, and residents with special needs. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a well-being check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1.
Public Health Guidance
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. A heatstroke is more serious and occurs when the body starts to lose its ability to regulate itself. The telltale signs of a heatstroke are:
- An extremely high body temperature, such as 103 degrees or above
- Dizziness and nausea
- A throbbing headache and a pulse that is rapid and strong
- Skin that is red, hot and dry
Some populations are at a higher risk in cases of extreme heat and should take extra precautions to protect themselves from heat, monitor their wellbeing, and access city cooling services. This includes people who:
- Are pregnant
- Live alone
- Work outside
- Are elderly
- Have young children
If you see someone suffering from heatstroke, call 9-1-1 immediately and then try to move the person into a cool place and cool the person with water. Water fountains are available at Chicago Public Library locations.
