Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S., causing hundreds of deaths per year across the country, according to the National Weather Service.
With ever-rising temperatures on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to remember how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during hot weather.
Here are some of the most important safety tips to keep in mind.
Heat safety tips
Here’s what to remember when temperatures reach uncomfortable highs:
Apply sunscreen regularly (every two hours)
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting light-colored clothing
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
Check up on the elderly, sick and those without AC
Never leave pets or kids unattended in the car
Heat safety tips to remember when you’re outside.
Who’s most vulnerable during hot conditions?
The following populations are most vulnerable during hot weather (especially if they don’t have AC), according to the NWS:
Individuals with chronic illnesses
Look before you lock
The NWS emphasizes the helpful phrase “Look before you lock” to remind caregivers to never leave children, disabled or elderly adults or pets in parked, unattended vehicles. On average, 38 kids die each year by being left in a vehicle, with the majority of these children being younger than 3, according to the service.
Leaving windows slightly cracked open does not significantly help with the risk, and temperatures in the car can rise up to 19 degrees in just 10 minutes. Animals can die of heatstroke in just 15 minutes.
Look before you lock: remember to never leave children, disabled or elderly adults or pets in a locked, unsupervised vehicle.
Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion
Your body’s ability to cool itself is especially challenged during hot weather, according to the NWS. When your body heats too rapidly or loses too much fluid or salt through dehydration or sweating, this can lead to heat-related illness.
Though the first symptom of heat-related illness is heat cramps, this can quickly lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Learn the symptoms below.
Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion information
Cooling stations in Illinois
Illinois has more than 120 designated state facilities that serve as cooling centers, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. These centers provide Illinois residents with a place to stay cool and comfortable during scorching days and are located at IDHS offices throughout the state and the seven Illinois Tollway Oases in Chicago. The centers are open during regular business hours.
More information on the centers can be found by calling the IDHS toll-free hotline (800-843-6154).
Chicago also has six separate cooling areas located at the city’s community service centers that are activated when the city’s emergency response plan is in place or as conditions warrant. During these times, the cooling centers operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
They are located at the following addresses:
Englewood Center: 1140 W. 79th St.
Garfield Center: 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
Dr. Martin Luther King Center: 4314 S. Cottage Grove
North Area Center: 845 W. Wilson Ave.
South Chicago Center: 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
Trina Davila Center: 4312 W. North Ave.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois heat wave safety tips, cooling centers and how to avoid heat stroke