Heat waves can be as challenging and as deadly as any other natural disaster. You can best weather these times through pre-season preparation and the right knowledge.

Heat Wave: Period of extreme heat, usually accompanied by high humidity.
Heat Index: The relative humidity added to the air temperature (how hot it feels).
Heat Cramps: Muscle pains due to exertion (the first sign of heat-related problems).
Heat Exhaustion: A mild form of shock brought on by strenuous activity in the heat.
Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition occurring when the body’s temperature control system shuts down. Brain damage or death can result if the body is not cooled at once.

• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible and in the shade if you go outside.

• If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air conditioned mall, library, or other public space.

• Wear sunscreen outside, along with light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

• Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty.

• Never leave children or pets alone in the car.

• Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day.

• Take a cool shower or bath.

Visit the Keep Illinois Cool Website, which allows users to search for nearby Illinois State facility cooling centers.

Evanston community members are welcome to spend time cooling off at City of Evanston public facilities during their regular operating hours.  Click the links below for days/hours/locations:

Evanston Public Library. 

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department facilities office hours. 

Summer Grilling and Fire Pit Safety Tips:

Grilling Safety:

Grilling in the backyard can make for a fun time, but make sure you take proper precautions! You can read more about Fire Prevention Code related to charcoal and propane grills here.

 Safety Tips:

• Never grill in enclosed areas – carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venture tubes – where the air and gas mix – are not blocked.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• When using lighter fluid, do not add it to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away form children. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly – douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

Fire Pit Safety:

Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambience. But, with the popularity of fire pits increasing, fire safety has become even more important. There are many things you should consider while setting up and using a fire pit. The use of fire pits is permissible when all City of Evanston regulations are followed. You can read the Evanston fire pit regulations here.

Safety Tips:

• Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
• Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
• Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
• Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
• Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing such as nylon.
• Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
• Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.