The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Cook County, including Homewood and Flossmoor, from 10 a.m. Saturday to midnight Monday. Local cooling centers are prepared to help anyone who needs shelter in the coming days.

The NWS alert notes that dangerously hot and humid conditions will prevail each day with high temperatures into the 90s and peak afternoon heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees expected.

Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. The magnitude of anticipated heat, combined with oppressive warmth at night will lead to hazardous conditions, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. 

Local cooling shelters:

• Homewood village hall board room, 2020 Chestnut Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
• Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Monday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 
• Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. 
• Flossmoor Police Department lobby is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. 
• Markham Courthouse, 16501 Kedzie Ave., will be open continuously from noon Saturday through Tuesday at 5 p.m. 
• Cook County lists other cooling shelters at cookcountyil.gov/service/cooling-centers

The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security offers the following tips during excessive summer heat to help keep residents safe: 

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Try to stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible. 
• If working outside, take frequent breaks, preferably in an air-conditioned space. 
• Take pets indoors and make sure they have plenty of water. 
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

It’s also important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors and members of vulnerable populations when temperatures climb to extreme levels.  

Anyone who must work or spend extended time outdoors should watch for symptoms of heatstroke, when the body starts to lose its ability to regulate itself. The signs of heatstroke include:  

• An extremely high body temperature, 103 degrees or above.  
• Dizziness and nausea.
• A throbbing headache and a pulse that is rapid and strong.  
• Skin that is red, hot and dry.  

If there is a medical emergency due to a heat-related illness, call 9-1-1.