State provides cooling centers in extreme heat conditions

[June 24, 2009]  CHICAGO -- With temperatures soaring this week, the Illinois Department of Human Services is urging Illinoisans to take advantage of more than 120 state facilities that serve as cooling centers. The cooling centers provide Illinoisans a place to stay cool and comfortable during the scorching hot days of summer. The cooling centers are located at IDHS offices throughout the state and the seven Illinois Tollway oases in Chicago. These places will be open to the public during regular business hours so anyone seeking refuge from the heat has a cool place to go when the temperature climbs.

"As the temperatures climb into the 90s this week, many low-income Illinoisans have no air conditioning in their homes or no other cool place to go to escape the heat," said IDHS Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. "The cooling centers offer a welcoming and safe environment to cool off during the hottest part of the day."

More information on the state's cooling centers is available by calling the IDHS toll-free at 800-843-6154.

Seniors are also at risk during extremely hot weather, and the Illinois Department on Aging provides summer tips to seniors statewide through its network of Area Agencies on Aging. Working with its partners in the Aging Network, the Department on Aging provides materials outlining dangers associated with the summer weather, performs well-being checks on vulnerable seniors, and provides cooling centers at senior centers, adult day service centers and nutrition sites as well as extended hours and transportation as requested.

Seniors are at an increased risk especially if they take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition or have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local Area Agencies on Aging or the Senior HelpLine, 800-252-8966, for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other familiar buildings that serve as cooling centers.

"I encourage everyone to check on older adults to make sure they are cool and comfortable, because the heat and humidity can be very dangerous for the aging population," said Charles D. Johnson, director of the Illinois Department on Aging.

IDHS offices used as cooling centers are local family resources centers, tollway oases and rehabilitation services offices. In Logan County, the office is at 1550 Fourth Ave. in Lincoln.

[Text from Illinois Department of Human Services file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]