Hot weather may become a problem to friends or relatives who are sick, elderly or homebound this summer. Remember to check on them when a Heat Watch or Heat Warning is issued. If the National Weather Service declares a Heat Watch or Heat Warning, the City's Office of Emergency Management and Communications will mobilize City departments to implement emergency actions. In the event that an extreme weather emergency is declared:
The Department of Human Services will operate 24-hour cooling centers and provide transportation to them.
Libraries, Park District field houses and certain Chicago Housing Authority facilities will be available as cooling centers, and some park facilities will have extended hours.
The Department of Aging's senior centers will have extended hours. The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities will contact more than 100 disability advocacy organizations, asking them to check on the health and safety of their clients.
Staff from the Department of Human Services, Department of Aging and the CHA will visit at-risk residents in their homes and telephone others to make sure they are well.
Police beat officers will assist the elderly and other at-risk people in coping with the heat.
Department of Building will inspect high-risk buildings to ensure that windows are open and ventilation systems are working.
Extra tow trucks from the Department of Streets and Sanitation will be available to assist stranded motorists.
The Chicago Public Schools will limit students' strenuous activities and modify dress codes and scheduled field trips.
People who feel they could be at risk during extreme heat can register with the City for an automatic well-being check by calling (312) 746-7213 (lines open 24 hours daily).
Residential water service will not be shut off for non-payment during extreme heat.
Call (312) 746- 7213 to find a cooling center or to report any problems due to the extreme heat.
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