Excessive heat taxes chicago's power supply

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From the Chicago Tribune

Cook County’s heat-related death toll rises to 19

By William P. Bohlen and Aamer Madhani Tribune staff reporters

August 1, 2001, 5:15 PM CDT

Authorities this afternoon attributed the deaths of four more people to heat-related causes, raising to 19 the total number of victims in Cook County of this summer's high temperatures.

All four victims were found in their homes Tuesday night and were pronounced dead shortly afterward at local hospitals or the Stein Institute, according to a spokeswoman for the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Autopsies determined the cause of death in every instance was heart disease and heat stress.

The medical examiner's office identified the victims as Lillian Lemke, 76, of the 0-100 block of 156th Street, Calumet City; Bohumil Machacek, 56, of the 2100 block of Highland Avenue, Berwyn; Thomas Fennessy, 63, of the 1200 block of Home Avenue, Berwyn; and James Lawrence, 54, of the 8500 block of West 95th Street, Hickory Hills.

Today’s highs were expected in the mid-90s, with humidity making it feel between 105 and 110, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms overnight and Thursday were expected to cool temperatures to the mid-80s.

Dr. John Wilhelm, commissioner of the city’s Health Department, said everyone -- regardless of age -- should use caution when venturing outdoors. “The combination of heat and humidity is not just an inconvenience, but a potentially dangerous health situation,” Wilhelm said.

Joyce repeated the city’s admonition against opening fire hydrants to cool off -- an illegal act that can reduce water pressure and hamper firefighting efforts. On Tuesday, at least 634 of the city’s 47,000 fire hydrants were improperly opened, he said.

David Helwig, executive vice president of energy delivery for Commonwealth Edison, said he anticipated no widespread power outages. But he asked consumers to close their blinds and be mindful of conserving energy.

The utility has asked residents not to use major appliances such as dishwashers, washers or dryers until after 7 p.m., and to set air conditioners no lower than 78 degrees.

ComEd said power demand today was expected to top Tuesday’s all-time high. But it said it expected to meet demand through contracts with outside companies to provide power during local shortages.

To avoid the widespread blackouts reminiscent of the summer of 1999, the company has a backup plan in place -- including generators that kick in when its system reaches capacity.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Park District prepared for tonight’s Radiohead concertby installing extra water fountains and cooling tents, said Dave Doig, general superintendent. Officials said any city resident who needs a ride to a cooling center should call 3-1-1 to arrange for transportation.

Department on Aging officials said they have directed volunteers of their Meals on Wheels program to relay that advice to elderly clients.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), August 01, 2001


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