Community Corner

City to Residents: Use Cooling Centers, Take Precautions in Excessive Heat

The City of Wheaton reminds residents of precautions to take during times of excessive heat and available cooling centers.

With dangerously hot temperatures expected to continue for at least one more day, the City of Wheaton advises residents that a number of cooling centers are available to the community. Also, the City asks you to take precautions to prevent heat emergencies, check on other residents who may need assistance and be watchful for signs of heat-related illness.

If you are in need of a cooling center, you can visit the following locations:

  • Wheaton Police Department lobby 
    900 W. Liberty Drive, Wheaton
    Open 24 hours
  • Wheaton Public Library 
    225 N. Cross St., Wheaton
    9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
  • Milton Township Offices 
    1492 N. Main St., Wheaton
    8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

Additional locations that are temporarily serving as cooling centers due to the extreme heat include:

  • College of DuPage: Student Resource Center Student Lounge, Room 1700
    425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
    9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21 (may be extended if needed)
    The cooling center will be the student lounge located in the north lower level of the Student Resource Center, Room 1700.
  • Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Rice Campus Lobby
    201 E. Loop Road, Wheaton
    7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 through Thursday, July 21
    7 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, July 22
    8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, July 23

The City asks you to please check on the well-being of your neighbors, elderly residents, those with chronic illnesses and others who may need assistance to keep cool and safe during extremely hot weather. Do not leave pets or children alone in a vehicle for any amount of time, and be watchful for signs of heat-related illness.

Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Heat emergencies fall into three categories of increasing severity: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
The early symptoms of heat illness include:

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  • Profuse sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Thirst
  • Muscle cramps

Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Cool, moist skin
  • Dark urine

The symptoms of heatstroke include:

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  • Fever (temperature above 104 °F)
  • Irrational behavior
  • Extreme confusion
  • Dry, hot, and red skin
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

In case of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For more information on heat-related illness, visit the City’s website.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness
To ensure you do not experience the above effects of extreme heat, please take the following precautions:

  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in hot weather.
  • Rest frequently and seek shade when possible.
  • Avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity outside during hot or humid weather.
  • Drink plenty of fluids every day. Drink more fluids before, during, and after physical activity.
  • Be especially careful to avoid overheating if you are taking drugs that impair heat regulation, or if you are overweight or elderly.
  • Be careful of hot cars in the summer. Allow the car to cool off before getting in.


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