It's Hot Out There, Baby -- Be Careful

The kind of heat we're experiencing right now can be a killer -- literally.

More than 8,000 people have died of heat-related causes between 1979 and 2003, according to the Centers for Disease Control, which urges people to avoid overexertion, know the signs of illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and find ways to stay cool.

To that end, the is available to residents as a cooling center during the heat wave, village spokeswoman Amy DeBoni said. The police station is at 14300 S. Coil Plus Drive, near 143rd Street and U.S. 30.

If you don't have a means of getting to the station, call 815-436-2341 for assistance, DeBoni said.

The current forecast from the National Weather Service in Romeoville calls for a high of 95 Wednesday, but it will feel as high as 101. We won't get a break until the early morning hours Thursday, when storms and thunderstorms are expected to move through, bringing with them a cool front. 

Thursday, the high may only reach 71 and the low 55, meaning we may soon be able to turn off the air-conditioners.

In the meantime, the CDC urges caution. The elderly, infants and children, and people with medical conditions are more prone to heat stress, so particular attention should be paid to them. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, even if you're relatively sendentary, and stay in places that are air-conditioned, even if that means heading to the mall or the public library to cool off, the CDC recommends.

"People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves," the CDC Web site says. "The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs."

Here are the signs to look for if you're experiencing a heat-related illness, according to the CDC:

• Heat cramps: Exercising in hot weather can lead to muscle cramps, especially in the legs, because of brief imbalances in body salts. Cramps become less frequent as a person becomes used to the heat.
• Heat syncope or fainting: Anyone not used to exercising in the heat can experience a quick drop in blood pressure that can lead to fainting. As with heat cramps, the cure is to take it easy.
• Heat exhaustion: Losing fluid and salt through perspiration or replacing them in an imbalanced way can lead to dizziness and weakness. Body temperature might rise, but not above 102 degrees. In some cases victims, especially the elderly, should be hospitalized. Heat exhaustion is more likely after a few days of a heat wave than when one is just beginning. The best defense is to take it easy and drink plenty of water. Don't take salt tablets without consulting a physician.
• Heatstroke: In some cases extreme heat can upset the body's thermostat, causing body temperature to rise to 105 degrees or higher. Symptoms are lethargy, confusion and unconsciousness. Even a suspicion that someone might be suffering from heatstroke requires immediate medical aid. Heatstroke can kill.