Cooling Centers Available During Excessive Heat Warnings

posted August 22, 2023 - 2:33pm

The heat and humidity are creating a dangerous combination this week, with heat indices predicted to approach 110°. The National Weather Service has issued a series of warnings and advisories in the coming days.

People most at risk from getting sick from the high temperatures and high humidity are older adults, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, people without housing, and people with a chronic medical condition.

Cooling centers are available to anyone who needs a safe, public space to cool off during the extreme heat. The list includes public places like churches, community centers, and libraries. Call ahead to confirm their hours. Also, remember these tips:

Stay cool

Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
Limit outdoor activity, especially midday, which is usually the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Never sit in a parked car or leave a person or pet in a parked car.

Stay hydrated

Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Drink from 2-4 cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
Avoid alcohol and liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Make sure your family and pets are drinking enough water.

Stay connected

Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
Regularly check on friends, loved-ones, and neighbors. Call, text, visit in person, or do a video call.

Stay aware about your own situation as well as what’s going on around you. If you start feeling overheated, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or have muscle cramps, you could be experiencing heat illness. Move to air conditioning, drink water, get under a fan, and put on cool washcloths. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, go to the emergency room.

If you see a parked car with a child left alone, call 9-1-1 and stay with the car. If you see a pet left alone, also call 9-1-1 and don’t leave until help arrives.