Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago along with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has issued an Air Quality Alert for the City of Chicago and Cook County in effect through this Thursday, July 16 due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will monitor conditions with the NWS in Chicago and will notify residents if there are additional updates.

This Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day is declared due to a forecast of Unhealthy-Red category particulates and or ozone on Thursday, July 16. Northern IL is expected to be on the edge of a thick plume of surface smoke moving in from the north and cleaner air to the south. Residents with air quality concerns or outdoor plans are encouraged to check current conditions and alerts on AirNow.gov.

The Chicago Department of Public Health has a flyer you can find here that tells you everything you need to know about an Air Quality Alert: CDPH Air Quality Alert Informational Flyer

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens - take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Keep outdoor activities short.
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

Everyone else - take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don't breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better.

Extreme Heat

Hot and humid conditions are forecasted to continue into the weekend with heat indices near 100 degrees.

OEMC monitors weather conditions 24/7 with the National Weather Service (NWS) from the City's Operations Center and issues alerts for advisories, watches, and warnings for extreme situations. If conditions warrant, an extreme heat warning will be issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when the following triggers are met:

• Peak heat index is expected to reach 100°F to 105°F for three consecutive days
• Peak heat index is expected to exceed 105°F-110°F for at least two consecutive days
• Peak heat index is forecast at 110°F or higher for one day.

Once issued, the city's emergency response plan is activated.

To receive the latest updates on heat/storm advisories and weather emergencies, residents can register for the City's emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org, check OEMC's social media pages, tune in to local media or download the Chicago OEMC App.

Available Cooling Centers

DFSS Community Service Centers

The Department of Family and Support Services' (DFSS) six community service centers activate cooling areas during periods of extreme heat at 90˚F and above.

The cooling areas operate from Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

• Auburn Gresham Center - 1140 W. 79th Street
• Garfield Center - 10 S. Kedzie Ave. Hours extended through 8 p.m. on July 16 and July 17
• 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.

DFSS Senior Centers

Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS's senior centers (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. except Renaissance Court, which is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.). DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations.

Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago Police District Locations:

During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City's Chicago Public Library locations, City Colleges of Chicago main campus locations, Chicago Park District fieldhouses, as well as pools and splash pads located throughout the city. Also, the Chicago Police Department's 22 district stations are available 24 hours for relief from the heat and to be connected with shelter. Note: Chicago Public Library and Chicago Park District locations are open on the weekend during hours of operation, for complete list visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/cooling-centers.

For locations visit Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal or chi.gov/cooling. Residents should contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. Note: Only the Park District facilities listed on the data portal provide access to air conditioning, as some facilities are not air-conditioned.

Well Being Checks

It's important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable population. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a well-being check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1. If there is a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

Homeless Services

Anyone seeking shelter may contact 3-1-1 to request shelter placement.

• The Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) - 2241 S. Halsted St.
• • Provides shelter placement assistance and overflow beds for single adults.

• The Salvation Army Emergency Assessment and Resource Center (EHARC) - 924 N. Christiana Ave.
• • Provides shelter placement assistance and overflow beds for families with children under 18 years of age.
  • Not a cooling center or shelter-call ahead to ensure availability: (872) 281-7610

• DFSS-funded shelters
• • Most operate 24/7 year-round.
  • DFSS typically activates all overnight shelters to operate 24/7 throughout extreme weather conditions.
  • DFSS funds delegate agencies for expanded operations.

Street Outreach Teams

DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention (HOP) teams and street outreach partners work proactively with unhoused individuals to conduct well-being checks and connect with cooling options and shelter. DFSS activates street outreach teams to ensure continued support for unsheltered residents on days when some city services are closed. Outreach teams:

• Offer transportation to warming or cooling centers;
• Distribute weather-appropriate essentials (water, hygiene supplies, etc.); and,
• Provide informational resources, bus cards and food gift cards.

Tips to Beat the Heat - Heat Safety Tips from Marvel's Ironheart

• Stay hydrated - drink lots of water, AVOID alcohol, caffeine, sodas.
• Stay inside; if you do not have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Keep electric lights off or turn them down.
• Minimize use of your oven and stove.
• Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
• Take cool baths and showers.
• Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) advises property owners and building managers to check their electrical and cooling equipment now to make sure it is in working order before the temperatures really start to rise.

On days when the heat index exceeds 80°F, certain residential buildings must provide air conditioning in all apartments or have an air-conditioned indoor common gathering area known as a cooling center. For additional information on the 2022 Cooling Ordinance visit Chicago.gov/cooling.

ComED

ComEd offers a variety of energy efficiency tips to help manage costs during extreme heat. Visit ComEd.com/HomeSavings for more information.

Public safety is paramount, and ComEd encourages customers to take the following precautions:

• If a downed power line is spotted, immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661). Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).
• Never approach a downed power line. Always assume a power line is extremely dangerous and energized.
• In the event of an outage, do not approach ComEd crews working to restore power to ask about restoration times. Crews may be working on live electrical equipment, and the perimeter of the work zone may be hazardous.

ComEd urges customers to contact the company immediately if they experience a power outage. Customers can text OUT to 26633 (COMED) to report an outage and receive restoration information and can follow the company on Twitter @ComEd or on Facebook at Facebook.com/ComEd. Customers can also call 1-800 EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661), or report outages via the website at ComEd.com/report. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237). With ComEd's new Outage Tracker, customers can report outages, check estimated time of restoration, view crew status updates, and explore our outage map. Visit ComEd.com/OutageTracker.

Cooling Off at the Beach?

The Chicago Park District urges patrons to enjoy the beaches safely and responsibly and look for "No Swimming Allowed" signage that indicates that swimming is not sanctioned in that area. Visitors should consult the district's website or social media platforms to ensure water conditions are safe for swimming before heading out to the beach and only enter the water when a lifeguard is on duty. Swim hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visit links: Water Safety and chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Chicago OEMC App

For air quality, safety and preparedness information, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website at Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or events:

• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(facebook.com/ChicagoOEMC), TikTok (@ChicagoOEMC), X (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).