Knox County faces dangerously high temperatures as the heat index is expected to soar between 100 and 110 degrees through Thursday. The Knox County Emergency Management Agency urges residents to take precautions, especially vulnerable groups like seniors and young children. Pets should also have access to plenty of water and shade. Temporary cooling centers are open in Galesburg, Williamsfield, Oneida, and Wataga, with specific locations and hours provided by officials. Residents are advised to wear light clothing, hydrate frequently, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. For further updates or changes to available services, check the Knox County Alert Network’s Facebook page.
Residents can visit the following locations that are set up as temporary cooling centers:
- GALESBURG
o Public Library – 264 W Main St (Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 9am – 5pm, Sunday: closed)
o Knox County YMCA – 1324 W Carl Sandburg Dr (Tuesday – Thursday: 5am-9pm, Friday: 5am-8pm)
o Knox County Housing Authority Overnight Shelter – 525/527 Iowa Ct (Daily: 6pm-7am)
- WILLIAMSFIELD
o Williamsfield Fire Station – E. Gale St/ N Chicago St (Tuesday – Friday open 24 hours)
- ONEIDA
o Oneida Fire Station – 210 N Sage St (Tuesday – Friday evening, open 24 hours)
- WATAGA
o Wataga Fire Station – 310 W Willard St (Tuesday – Friday evening, open 24 hours)
Should more locations become available, this list will be updated. Please be sure to follow the KCEMA Facebook page for updates.
Rising temperatures pose serious health risks, with heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke potentially leading to hospitalization or worse. Key symptoms include nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating, flushed or pale skin, and headaches. If someone is affected, move them to a cool place, offer cool water, and use ice packs or wet cloths to lower body temperature. In severe cases—such as loss of consciousness, vomiting, or refusal to drink—emergency services should be contacted immediately. To prevent illness, wear lightweight clothing, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
