CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The upcoming stretch of dangerously hot weather has the city on alert. In addition to cooling centers and well being checks, stores are stocking up on air conditioners.
Air conditioners are being grabbed almost as fast as one Chicago Home Depot store can bring in.
"A lot of people have been coming in because of the news that the heat wave is coming on Thursday," Home Depot employee Jake Wolbert said.
During a press conference with the Office of Emergency Management, a spokesperson from ComEd pointed out there are simple steps you can take that will reduce the burden on your air conditioning and lower your electric bill:
- Only cool rooms you are using.
- Keep windows closed and shades down when the air conditioning is on.
- Keep lamps and TVs away from thermostats, since the heat they kick off can force your AC into overdrive
- Turn off lights and unplug electronics that are not in use.
ComEd said if your power goes out or you need other information, you should call 1-800-EDISON-1. The company claims it's spent $9 billion in the past ten years to make sure the power system works properly.
If you are in an apartment or home in Chicago without air conditioning, and you need transportation to a cooling center, you are encouraged to dial 311. Concerned friends and relatives of the elderly can also call 311 to request a well-being check.
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The city also reminded the public that opening a fire hydrant is against the law; if you see someone opening a hydrant, call 911. If you merely see a hydrant open, call 311 so that it can be closed. Open hydrants lower water pressure, which might cause trouble for firefighters.
Although hot weather is something many people look forward to every year, the higher than 90 degree temperatures expected bring about concern.
"If you don't have to go outside don't go outside. Stay in the shade if you're outside. Be sure you bring plenty of cool liquids to drink, cooling from the inside is as effective or more effective than cooling from the outside," Dr. David Zich, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, said.
More than 700 Chicagoans succumbed to the record setting heat in 1995. The triple digit temperatures and high humidity made for a lethal combination.
"I think just the collaboration between not only the public safety agencies but all the city agencies, and the private sector too, has come a long way," Garry Schenkel of the Office of Emergency Management said.
It was a tragic lesson learned and one the city plans on avoiding again.
For tips on how to handle the heat wave, check out our Beat the Heat Survival Guide.
