May heat wave deaths prompt new cooling rules in Chicago

By DON BABWIN
Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago City Council has passed new cooling requirements for residential buildings after three women died in their stifling hot apartments during a brief heat wave last month. Under the amendment to the city’s municipal code passed Wednesday, any new construction of senior facilities and larger residential buildings must include permanent air conditioning, and existing buildings must run their air-conditioning systems when the heat index climbs above 80 degrees. Alderman Maria Hadden pushed for the expansion of cooling requirements that were already in place for nursing homes.