City of Geneva Posts Cooler Center Information

The (NWS) has developed a three-tiered watch and warning system to alert emergency planners, public safety professionals and the public to potential heat events. Based on the heat index forecast, NWS could issue a heat advisory, excessive heat watch, or an excessive heat warning.

HEAT ADVISORY: Issued by the National Weather Service when the heat index is expected to reach at least 100°F but less than 115°F for less than 3 hours per day, or nighttime lows remain above 80°F for two consecutive days.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH: Issued by the National Weather Service when it is possible the heat index will exceed 115 degrees for any length of time or when the heat index will exceed 105 degrees for three or more hours for at least two consecutive days. During an excessive heat watch, the National Weather Service will issue special weather statements throughout the heat event.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING: Issued by the National Weather Service when the heat index is expected to exceed 115 degrees for any length of time or when the heat index will exceed 105 degrees for three or more hours for at least two consecutive days. During an excessive heat warning, the National Weather Service will issue special weather statements throughout the heat event.

When the heat index is forecast to reach 100° F for two or more consecutive days (Heat Advisory), the city of Geneva makes its cooling centers available to Geneva citizens. Cooling centers are available for the elderly, families with small children, and other vulnerable residents.

Cooling centers are open during normal business hours as follows:

• Geneva City Hall, 22 South First Street, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Geneva Public Works Facility, 1800 South Street, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Geneva Fire Department Headquarters, 200 East Side Drive, 24 Hours/7 Days a Week (No sleeping facilities)

The city of Geneva, working with the Kane County Office of Emergency Management and the Kane County Health Department, recommends that the public take the following precautions during periods of extreme heat.

• Frequently check on family members and the elderly who do not have air conditioning to insure their well being.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing liquid intake.
•  Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest level of your home out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat when out in the sun.

The combination of high heat and high humidity can be very dangerous. Especially at risk are the elderly, infants and young children, people with disabilities and persons taking medication for chronic health conditions. Residents who have at-risk friends, neighbors or relatives should help by checking on them periodically.

Anyone with questions regarding the city's Cooling Centers should call the city at 630.232.7494.

This information is provided courtesy of the city of Geneva.