http://www.boston.com/dailynews/204/nation/Nine_deaths_blamed_on_heat_wav:.shtml

Nine deaths blamed on heat wave in Chicago; weather service says relief in sight

By Associated Press, 7/23/2001 20:05

CHICAGO (AP) Sweltering heat has claimed nine lives and energy use Monday was expected to hit its peak so far this summer.

Residents were urged to help the elderly and infirm who are at greatest risk during hot, muggy weather.

''I urge Chicagoans to continue to check on their friends and neighbors, especially their family members. Help them to an air-conditioned place,'' said Mayor Richard Daley.

Commonwealth Edison's electricity production was expected to have peaked at 20,375 megawatts, the highest this summer. ComEd's record output of 21,243 megawatts was set during the 1999 heat wave.

''The system is faring pretty well. We don't have any major heat-related outages,'' said ComEd spokeswoman Tabrina Davis.

A heat wave in 1995 was blamed for about 700 deaths. Another in 1999 left dozens dead.

The city is now quicker to react when the mercury rises. One hundred cooling centers air-conditioned buildings marked by signs have been set up in libraries and elsewhere, and city workers check on scores of shut-ins.

Temperatures in the 90s were expected to drop into the high 80s Tuesday, said Amy Seeley, of the National Weather Service.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001