Chicago is in for another round of blistering heat.
Chicago is in for another round of blistering heat.
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The extreme heat in Chicago has got workers at the South Austin Coalition making welfare checks daily.
The coalition is checking on elderly clients who may not realize the harmful effects the heat has on their bodies, or be unable to pay the electric bill.
South Austin workers like Wanda Hopkins tell Fox Chicago News, "We're not just calling them to see how they're doing. We're also asking them if their service has been restored and do they need help from us to help them with any energy applications."
Forecasters say the extreme heat wave may continue till the end of the week, with a heat index that may make it feel well over a hundred degrees.
For a complete guide on how to BEAT THE HEAT, check out our SURVIVAL GUIDE.
Dr. Rahul Khare of Northwestern Medical Center says seniors are the most vulnerable to the heat.
"It's important to get out of the heat," Dr. Khare told Fox Chicago News. "Sometimes we get overheated and we're only out there for 30-40 minutes so it's very important to take a break and get in the shade and drink some fluids."
ComEd officials say by law, they can not disconnect power on days when the thermostat reads 95 degrees or higher.
That's just one of the changes mandated after the heat wave in 1995, when hundreds died.
Five of those deaths happened at Sullivan Apartments at Madison and Ashland on the West side.
That apartment building now has central air, and management has set up two cooling centers on the first floor.
Anyone who is worried about losing their power in the heat can call the "ComEd Care Line" at 888-806-2273.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:54:40 GMT
A man previously convicted of sex trafficking in Cook County has been charged again, this time for allegedly kidnapping a Minnesota woman and bringing her to Chicago to work in the sex trade.
A man previously convicted of sex trafficking in Cook County has been charged again, this time for allegedly kidnapping a Minnesota woman and bringing her to Chicago to work in the sex trade.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:46:42 GMT
Nine Lafayette Elementary parents and students have occupied a Lafayette Elementary school classroom, in a sit-in style protest against the school's closing.
Nine Lafayette Elementary parents and students have occupied a Lafayette Elementary school classroom, in a sit-in style protest against the school's closing.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:54:41 GMT
Nine students at a Near North Side bilingual public elementary school were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after a student accidentally discharged pepper spray.
Nine students at a Near North Side bilingual public elementary school were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after a student accidentally discharged pepper spray.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:27 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:27:06 GMT
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
