Community Corner

Village Issues Heat Advisories

Steamy temperatures have authorities urging caution. Here are some tips and heat-related news.

Authorities are issuing safety reminders about wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and hats, drinking plenty of water and taking regular breaks if you're doing outside activity.

Residents without air conditioning can visit the following free cooling centers:

Free transportation to the cooling centers is available by calling the non-emergency telephone number at (708) 386-3800. You can find more information on beating the heat on the village's official website.

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Waste Haulers Starting Early

To beat the heat on Thursday and Friday, employees of Waste Management will start their Oak Park routes at 6 a.m., one hour earlier than usual. Village officials say all routes south of Madison Street will be affected by the change.

Heat Terms, Defined

From the village of Oak Park: Weather forecasters use various phrases when predicting high-heat conditions. Here's what they mean:

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Excessive heat watch – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.

Excessive heat warning – Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least two days, with daytime highs 105° - 110° Fahrenheit.

Heat advisory – Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for one to two days, with daytime highs 105° - 110° Fahrenheit.

Drought Conditions = Watering Reminder

The Village of River Forest's website contains information about watering trees and shrubs in the wake of the droughtlike conditions we've experienced for the past few weeks. Worth a look.

Don't Forget About Fido!

When temperatures reach just 85 degrees, the dashboard of your car can reach 170 degrees in just 15 minutes, according to AAA Motor Club in Chicago. And that's with the windows down. (via Chicago Tribune)

Those conditions can prove lethal for a dog left in a sweltering car. So unless you can bring your pup with you wherever you're heading, it might be a good idea to leave them at home, in the cool confines of the A/C.

Pool Party

When all else fails, take a dip.

Here's information about Oak Park's public pools and the Forest Park Aquatic Center, 7501 Harrison St.


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