Dealing With Extreme Heat

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity can be life threatening. The City of Crystal Lake recommends that Crystal Lake residents and visitors take the following precautions to protect themselves during the hot weather this week.

If your home is not air conditioned, or if you are without power, go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air-conditioned shopping malls, libraries, theaters or other facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.

City Hall-100 West Woodstock Street- is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Crystal Lake Library – 126 West Paddock Street- is open Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

McHenry County College,--8900 U.S. Highway 14—is open Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Nunda Township– 3518 Bay Road, Crystal Lake—is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• If possible, stay indoors as much as possible
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate perspiration, which cools your body.
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
• Children and seniors and those with heart and lung diseases (including asthma) are most at risk of heat-related illness
• Check on the welfare of family, friends and neighbors. Call 9-1-1 immediately for anyone who is unresponsive or otherwise suffering from the effects of heat.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle for any length of time.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
• Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Attempt to stay hydrated.
• Limit intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. They can actually lead to dehydration.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself.
• If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion, with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
• Exercise caution on plugging in air conditioners or fans. Do not use extension cords or plug in too many appliances on the same circuit.