More Heat Coming to Oak Forest on Friday

The excessive heat boiling Oak Forest will continue through Friday as the heat index could climb to 113.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat warning for the Chicago area. Today's high could reach 105 and stay in the triple digits during the daytime, according to the NWS.

Oak Forest has instituted restrictions on water use to the nighttime hours.  can be used as a cooling center if needed.

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Know the Terms:

An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures is expected.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity may combine to create dangerous situations increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Know these heat disorder symptoms (and how to treat them):

• SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

• HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

• HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

• HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106 degrees or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First aid: Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

• IF ANYONE IS OVERCOME BY HEAT, they should be moved to a cool and shaded area. If someone falls to heat stroke, call 911.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks inside a cool area, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Remember 1995.

Oak Lawn Patch Editor Lorraine Swanson contributed to this report.

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