Sweltering temps raise concerns at Chicago area festivals
CHICAGO (CBS) — Sweltering and dangerous temperatures this weekend are raising concerns at festivals across the Chicago area this weekend.
Heat and humidity are building through the weekend as a steamy and stormy pattern develops, especially at night.
At the Windy City Smokeout at the United Center, organizers are trying to stay ahead of the heat. It's common knowledge that barbecue and heat go hand in hand, and there might be nothing cooler than a surprise appearance by Jim Belushi and his harmonica for the crowd.
But paramedics are standing by to keep people safe. The festival also has two first-aid tents that offer air conditioning, cool towels, and ice and water, and medicine.
"We have misters inside," said Windy City Smokeout chief medical officer George Chiampas. "We have areas where individuals can get shade. We have fans."
Chiampas is working his third year as the event's chief medical officer. He said dehydration is common.
"I think the most common thing is a combination of heat and alcohol—maybe not having a plan; thinking it's not as hot as they thought it would be," Chiampas said. So if you're someone where the heat is something that really affects you, be smart. You come later in the day, right? after 6, or 7 o'clock, the temperatures come down."
Ice and water were also on hand for St. Sabina's evening block party in Auburn Gresham—where it is hottest around the grills.
"The sun is going to set pretty soon over there, and then will be all right," said parishioner Donnie O'Neal. "But you've got to get the meat done."
The people at the block party fight the heat with ice cream on what shaped up to be a beautiful night.
"Oh my God" said the Rev. Mike Pfleger. "It's like God must be at the block party."
Organizers at the St. Sabina event were more concerned about a different kind of safety threat—namely gun violence.
"After the July 4 weekend. I mean, so many people are afraid to come out. They're afraid to bring their children out, and children are supposed to be having fun," Pfleger said. "So that's what we're doing right now."
When it comes to the heat, it is all about being prepared—and for anyone who overheats to make quick changes.
Smokeout organizers say they will keep up these strategies through the weekend—as the event is not wrapping up until Sunday night.
Police activity outside Smokeout on Friday afternoon
Meanwhile, there was also a lot of commotion outside the gates of the Windy City Smokeout Friday afternoon as Chicago Police chased two people who witnesses say tried to steal a white BMW.
Two others got away.
Witnesses said the suspects broke another car's window with a gun, and the owner of a third car tried to run over one of them when they tried to steal his vehicle. It happened near Wood and Monroe, and police are investigating.