With high temperatures expected during the next couple of days, the Kankakee County Health Department is urging everyone to take preventive measures during this hot weather to avoid heat-related illness, such as heat stroke.

Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to the heat. Symptoms of heat stroke include: Body temperature of 105°F or higher; confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech; loss of consciousness (coma); hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; seizures; and very high body temperature.

Heatstroke treatment: Call 911 for emergency medical care; move to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing; and cool the person quickly, using the following methods – with a cold water or ice bath, if possible; wet the skin; place cold wet cloths on the skin; soak clothing with cool water; circulate the air around the person to speed cooling; and place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin, or soak the clothing with cool water.

Heat exhaustion can occur either indoors or outdoors, with or without exercise. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature, and decreased urine output.

Heat Exhaustion treatment: Move the person to a cooler place; remove or loosen tight clothing; apply cool, wet cloths; give cool water to slowly drink.

Here are several cooling center options for local residents. Don’t forget to call the cooling center for any updated information, including hours.

  • Manteno: Leo Hassett Community Center, 211 N. Main, call 815-929-4801.
  • Momence: Edward Chipman Public Library, 126 N. Locust, 815-472-2581.
  • Bradley: Bradley Public Library, 296 N. Fulton, 815-932-6245.
  • Bourbonnais: Bourbonnais Public Library, 250 W. John Casey Road, 815-933-1727.
  • Kankakee: Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street, 815-939-4564; and Kankakee County Health Department, 2390 W. Station Street, 815-802-9400; Take River Valley Metro Rt. 4 to destination.
  • River Valley Metro Mass Transit: Rides are free on local, fixed route buses. Residents may stay on the bus or use to get to a safe location.