Across Chicago, Residents Try To Beat The Heat

(CBS) -- It was a day of dripping sweat and drenched shirts under scorching temperatures for construction workers, repaving the streets in the Uptown community.

They started extra early to get a jump on the heat and were willing to end early, if needed.

There is little escape from the heat inside Ola Willis' 7th floor apartment at the Kenmore Senior Housing facility. A visiting friend is concerned about her health.

"One day I came up there and it looked like she was going to pass out it was so hot in here," he says.

Habitat, which manages the building, says the building's cooling system is inadequate and it's waiting for the Chicago Housing Authority to make repairs. In the meantime, they have a handful of air-conditioning units for residents.

Willis says the units won't fit in her window. So, she'll continue to depend on the fans. She'll also be sure to drink lots of water.

At Garfield Park, day campers have the perfect place to keep cool: the pool.