7 tips to stay cool this summer

Things are finally starting to heat up in Chicago. While this means we can enjoy the outdoors more, extreme heat can be dangerous.

Twenty years after the heat wave of 1995, the City of Chicago has learned a lot about how to keep people cool and safe in hot weather. 

Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seniors, children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to these conditions.

If you know a senior who is living alone, be sure to check in on them with a visit or phone call on hot days. If you are unable to make contact, call 3-1-1 and request a well-being check.

Here are some tips for staying cool during the heat:

1. Drink up

Drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic beverages such as water or natural juices. Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you will have a supply of cold water with you.

2. Avoid the hottest times of day

When going outside, try to take advantage of cooler times of the day in the early morning or late evening.

3. Dress for the heat

Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color. Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.

4. Quick Ways to Cool Down

Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.

Try storing lotions in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.

Take baths or showers with cool or tepid water.

5. Replace salt and minerals

Sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes can be a good source of replinishment, but check with your doctor if you are avoiding salt in your diet. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.

6. Stay Cool Indoors

Avoid using your stove. Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products.

Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. 

Don’t have access to Air Conditioning?  Drawing the blinds and keeping the windows slightly open can keep your home cool. Using a fan to help circulate air can make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.

During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, senior centers, or public libraries.

7. Stay informed

Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety update. 

Check out this informative guide from the CDC for more tips on how to beat the heat and recognizing the signs of heat-related illness. 

You can also take advantage of the City of Chicago’s Cooling Centers. Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities where Chicago residents can go to find relief from extreme heat that are operated by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. Most of centers operate from 9 AM to 5 PM. In addition, the Garfield Center, located at 10 S. Kedzie, is available 24/7 to connect residents to emergency shelter. 

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