County Has Cooling Centers Ready

The Effingham County Health Department urges county residents to take precautions the next several days due to the expected excessive heat.

Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following:

--increase fluid intake, avoiding drinks with sugar, caffeine and alcohol

--decrease strenuous outdoor activities and remain in air conditioning when possible

--check on the well-being of elderly family and friends who may be living alone

Symptoms of heat-related illness include headaches, skin that is hot to the touch, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, seizures and irregular heartbeats.  Individuals with chronic health conditions should be monitored because they may be more susceptible to the heat.  Residents are encouraged to also make preparations for their pets, as well.

Illinois Department of Human Services offices will be open regular business hours of 8:30am to 5pm as cooling centers. 

Effingham County Emergency Management Agency has coordinated the following cooling centers throughout the county:

--Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Hall from noon to 7pm Wednesday through Sunday

--Altamont Municipal Building will have its community room open Wednesday through Friday from 7am to 5pm.  People may contact Altamont city police to set up an appointment to enter the community room to cool on Saturday and Sunday

--Edgewood American Legion will be open 8am to 1am Wednesday through Sunday

--Beecher City Church of Christ will be open 10am to 7pm Wednesday through Sunday

--Watson Civic Center will be open today through Friday from 11am to 5pm

Effingham County Transportation will provide free transportation to and from the cooling centers from 6am to 6pm Monday through Friday at 855-755-2478.  The free transportation only applies to the cooling center locations.

Any questions, please feel free to contact the Effingham County Health Department at 217-342-9237 or Effingham County Emergency Management Agency at 217-536-6169.