Kankakee, IL – With temperatures rising across Illinois this week, Kankakee County has activated multiple cooling centers to offer residents relief from the summer heat.
According to the Kankakee County Emergency Management Agency, nine designated cooling centers are open throughout the county, including public libraries, community centers, and the River Valley Metro system. These sites are available during regular business hours and are intended to serve seniors, individuals with health conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning.
Facilities include the Kankakee Public Library, Bradley Public Library, Edward Chipman Public Library in Momence, and the Bourbonnais Public Library. Locations such as the Leo Hassett Community Center in Manteno and the Village of Grant Park Community Center will open as needed during extreme heat events. Residents are urged to call ahead to confirm availability and hours, which may vary by site.
River Valley Metro buses will also function as mobile cooling centers when the heat index reaches 100 degrees or higher, with free rides offered on local fixed routes. Service is available Monday through Sunday, with varying schedules by day.
The County Health Department at 2390 W. Station St. in Kankakee is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but will close on major holidays. The agency encourages residents to check social media or municipal websites for emergency closings and updates.
Kankakee County officials emphasized community awareness and neighborly care during this period of high temperatures. “Let’s look out for each other — especially our seniors, those with health conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning,” the Emergency Management Agency posted on Facebook.
A complete list of the centers and their operating hours is available on the Kankakee County Emergency Management Agency’s social media platforms.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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