Cooling Centers Provide Relief From Summer Heat
Sunday marks the hottest day of the year for the Ozarks...so far. With the hottest months still to come, Missouri health officials are highlighting the dangers of summer weather and tips on how to stay safe. Cooling centers are set up at locations around the state. Click here to find the one closest to you.
Read more from the Missouri Department of Health:
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, State Emergency Management Agency, and the National Weather Service are promoting Missouri Summer Safety Week (June 24-30) to highlight the risks and dangers associated with excessive heat. Missourians can find a public
cooling center near them by clicking here. Through the online cooling center directory, users can simply enter a zip code, city or county to find a cooling center nearby.
“High temperatures and high humidity can cause health problems quickly and with little warning,” said Margaret Donnelly, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “Summer Weather Safety Week reminds us of precautions we need to take to protect ourselves and others, especially those who are particularly vulnerable to the heat.”
In 2011, the Department of Health and Senior Services reported 47 heat-related deaths in Missouri.
Remember these basic tips to protect you and your family during severe heat and heat emergencies:
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of
their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Eat light, well-balanced meals at regular intervals.
• Drink plenty of water and limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Wear sunscreen.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day; use the buddy system when working in
extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie
theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities.
• Be aware of medications that may impair the body’s response to heat, including antihistamines,
tranquilizers and some medications for heart disease.
Click here to find the cooling center nearest you.
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