Temperatures are expected to soar above 90-degrees all week. That can be very dangerous for people who don't have access to air-conditioning.
People are urged to check on elderly neighbors or relatives every day to look for signs of heat-related illness. Signs include headaches, extremely hot skin, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, seizures and irregular heartbeats. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should seek help immediately.
Doctors say people should drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activity to beat the heat. People can also escape the heat at 120 cooling centers across the state.
For more information, call the Illinois Department of Human Services hotline at 800-843-6154.
