ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — With a stretch of dangerous heat expected to settle over northern Illinois this week, local agencies are urging residents to take precautions and make use of cooling centers now open across the region.
Community Action of Winnebago and Boone Counties shared a list of available sites where people can find relief from high temperatures, as heat advisories take effect and are expected to last through the week.
In Winnebago County, several locations in Rockford are open during the day.
- Carpenter’s Place, located at 1149 Railroad Avenue, is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Rockford Rescue Mission at 715 W. State Street is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 24/7 access available for overnight shelter.
- The City of Rockford Health and Human Services office at 612 N. Church Street is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays until 4 p.m.
- Brooke Road United Methodist Church at 1404 Brooke Road is also serving as a cooling site Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In Boone County, residents can go to:
- The Belvidere Public Safety Building at 615 N. Main Street, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- A state-approved site is also available at the Belvidere Tollway Oasis along I-90, just east of the Belvidere Toll Plaza, which is open 24 hours a day.
Further west in Stephenson County, several cooling options are available in the Freeport area.
- The Freeport Public Library at 100 East Douglas Street is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though it will be closed for Independence Day.
- The Lincoln Mall on West Galena Avenue is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but closed Sundays.
- The Freeport Division of Rehabilitation Services office at 1828 S. West Avenue operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with holiday hours possibly varying.
Residents can also find relief at recreational sites in Freeport, including the Plaza Splash Pad at 11 East Douglas Street, open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at no cost. The Read Park Family Aquatic Center at 867 W. American Street is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission fees required…