With temperatures predicted to be in the 90s later this week and heat indices expected to exceed 100 degrees Thursday and Friday, officials at the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management encourage residents to be prepared. Residents are encouraged to follow these tips to stay safe in the summer heat:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• If you don't have air conditioning, consider going to a mall or other indoor, air conditioned area.  
• Consider going to one of the DuPage County Cooling Sites (including the Roselle Public Library, 40 S. Park St. - call the site first to ensure it is open).
• Check on children, the elderly and those with functional needs to make sure they're staying safe.
• Senior citizens may enroll to participate in the DuPage County Sheriff's Office Guardian System, open to residents 62 and older who want a representative to call and check on them on a regular basis (call (630) 407-2400 to register). 
• Ensure that your pets' needs for water and shade are being met.
• Review the heat safety tips and suggestions on this checklist from the American Red Cross.

ComEd advises customers to manage their energy use efficiently to save money while keeping cool during the heat. For example: 

• Only cool rooms in use.
• Run appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine at night.
• Keep lamps and televisions away from the thermostat.
• Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
• Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs, which use about 75 percent less energy.      

ComEd customers who experience an outage or have any questions about their service should call 1-800-EDISON-1.