The City of Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department has declared a Heat Advisory for July 18-21 and is urging all residents to take preventive actions during this hot weather to avoid heat-related illness, such as heatstroke. 

The National Weather Service has indicated the heat index may rise to between 102°F and 113°F July 18-20, with continued hot and humid weather on July 21. 

Residents are advised to take the following actions to prevent heat-related illnesses:

Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol, caffeine and high salt intake;

Stay in cool, shaded areas while outdoors, and keep the blinds drawn or lights down indoors;

Use air conditioners or fans; avoid excessive exposure to heat in unventilated areas;

Reduce physical activity;

Take cool baths or showers, and use cool towels;

Wear loose, light cotton clothing and a breathable hat;

Eat light meals; avoid eating heavy meals and using the oven;

Do not leave people or pets alone in a hot car, even for a few minutes;

Community members are also reminded to check on people at risk for heat-related illness, especially elderly individuals.

As part of the Heat Advisory, residents are encouraged to take advantage of cooling centers across the city during their operating hours:

Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, 1823 Church St.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday

Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave. 
7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday and Friday
8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday

Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St.
7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Sunday

Main Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.
9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday
Noon to 6 p.m., Sunday

North Branch Library, 2026 Central St.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday

Chicago Ave./Main St. Branch Library, 900 Chicago Ave.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday

For more information, please call or text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.