Northbrook Offers a Few Spots for Heat Relief

The dog days of summer may have arrived a bit ahead of schedule, but the same rules about keeping safe and being smart outside still apply.

For those who might not have the tried-and-true beater of the heat - air-conditioning - here are a few places where people can cool off during much of the day:

• The Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Northbrook Court, 2171 Northbrook Court, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• North Shore Senior Center, 161 Northfield Rd. Northfield, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you're going , be particularly safe as Accuweather.com is predicting temperatures early this week in the 90s, with a heat index that could top 100 degrees.

Keep well-hydrated - even if you are inside - by drinking plenty of water, sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration. According to Mayoclinic.com, signs of dehydration include having a dry and sticky mouth, thirst, sleepiness, dizziness or lightheadedness.

Also be alert to the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. According to MedicineNet.com, heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, fatigue, headache.

The best measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather, according to MedicineNet.com.

Keep tabs on neighbors and friends during this heat wave and make sure pets have plenty of water and are not kept in cars.

If you experience a power outage, call Commonwealth Edison at 800-334-7761.