Cooling centers open in hot temperatures

(KBSI) – With high forecasted temperatures this Thursday and Friday of around 100 degrees and peak heat index values from 105 to 110 possible due to the heat and humidity, cooling centers will open to give people a place to cool down. If you know of a location serving as a cooling center, email news@kbsi23.com with details to be added to this list.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services urges Missourians of all ages to take precautions as heat and humidity rise to dangerous levels.

Heat-related illnesses often affect the very young, the elderly and the chronically ill, but summer temperatures can also take a toll on healthy young and middle-aged adults. In 2022, 23 people died from heat exposure in Missouri, ranging in age from 2-83 years.

During prolonged periods of high temperatures, using air conditioning – either at home or by seeking shelter in a local cooling center — is the best preventive measure, according to DHSS.

“Heat and humidity can place a lot of stress on the body,” said DHSS Director Paula Nickelson. “Heat exhaustion can come on suddenly, with little warning, and lead to heatstroke which becomes a very dangerous situation.”

During excessive heat, Nickelson urges people to check on friends and neighbors, especially those who are elderly and chronically ill. To report a senior citizen or an adult with disabilities who needs assistance due to the heat, call the state’s toll-free abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-392-0210, or make a report online. Medications, as well as use of drugs or alcohol, can impair a body’s response to heat, making one more vulnerable to the heat, according to DHSS.

Do not leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle. Four of Missouri’s heat-related deaths in 2022 were people in vehicles. Even on a cooler day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes and pose a real threat to anyone left inside. Stress, distraction and being out of a normal routine can all contribute to forgetting a child in a car seat. Check the back seat each time you exit your vehicle.

There are a number of steps individuals can take to stay cool including:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water regardless of your activity level, and do not wait until you are thirsty to do so. Avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages; these actually cause you to lose body fluids.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Wear lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting clothing that allows air circulation. When outside, consider wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Stay cool indoors. Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible. Find a local cooling center if needed.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Try to plan outdoor activity for morning or evening hours when the temperature is coolest.
• Pace yourself. Reduce exercise or physical activity during the hottest part of the day, and take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned place.
• Wear sunscreen. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
• Prepare your home. Change air conditioner filters, and cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes or shades.
• Stay informed. Pay attention to weather forecasts and heat advisories. Stay informed about the local heat index and adjust safety measures accordingly.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and how treat them is also important.

Signs of heat exhaustion may include:

• muscle cramps
• heavy sweating
• cold, pale and clammy skin
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• fainting or passing out

If you think you or a loved one are experiencing heat exhaustion, stop physical activity move to a cool place—preferably air-conditioned, loosen clothing, and sip cool water. Seek medical attention immediately if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hour.

Signs of heat stroke may include:

• high body temperature (103°F or higher)
• hot, red, dry or damp skin
• fast, strong pulse
• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• confusion
• loss of consciousness

If you think you or a loved one are experiencing heat stroke call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cool place—preferably air-conditioned. Help lower the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath until medical personnel arrive. Do not give the person anything to drink.

For more information regarding heat-related illness and prevention, visit the websites of DHSS or the CDC.

Ameren Missouri offers cool-down tips:

• Create a breeze – Did you know that when using a fan and air conditioner simultaneously, you can raise your thermostat setting by four degrees with no change in comfort? You can also rotate any ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. But remember to turn fans off when you leave the room – they cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
• Keep air vents clear – Periodically replace air filters for your air conditioners. Clean air vents regularly and make sure curtains or furniture do not block any vents or returns.
• Close window shades – Closed curtains and blinds help keep rooms cooler and prevent the loss of cool air. Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
• Utilize alternative cooking methods – Grilling outdoors, or using air fryers, slow cookers and toaster ovens, will reduce excess heat from being produced in the kitchen from larger appliances.
• Program your thermostat – Smart thermostats enable you to automatically run your air conditioner cooler when you are home and a bit warmer when you are out of the house. With proper use, programmable thermostats can save about $180 every year in energy costs.

Missouri

Tap here to view cooling centers in Missouri.

Marble Hill
The Bollinger County Health Department located at 107 State Hwy. 51 North in Marble Hill is serving as a cooling center during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Perryville
Perry Park Center
800 City Park Lane

The Perry Park Center lobby is open as a cooling station during regular posted business hours with the exception of July 4 when hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Poplar Bluff
The Butler County Health Department at 1619 North Main in Poplar Bluff is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone needing to cool down can come in the front lobby and have a seat.

Van Buren
Van Buren Youth and Community Center
June 28-July 1
8 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Carter County Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with its partners, the Van Buren Police Department and the Van Buren Youth and Community Center announced the opening of a cooling shelter. This shelter aims to provide relief and respite from extreme heat conditions for the residents of Carter County.

The cooling shelter will be operational daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. starting June 28 through July 1.

The cooling shelter will be stocked with bottled water to ensure hydration and offer some relief from the heat. All residents of Carter County without access to air conditioning are encouraged to utilize this facility as a refuge from the high temperatures. Contact the Carter County Emergency Management Agency at 573-323-4510 for more information.

Kentucky

Paducah Mayor George Bray and The Salvation Army are coordinating to open The Salvation Army’s cooling center at 2990 Trimble Street. The cooling center will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on June 29-30 to provide a cool place to get water and rest.

“The Salvation Army had initially planned to open the cooling center for the summer season on Monday, July 3,” said Mayor George Bray said. “The forecast of this week’s hot spell created the need for the center to open sooner. I am grateful to The Salvation Army for adjusting their schedule and being there to support our community members who need a place to shelter from the extreme heat. They continue to provide great support for those in need in our community.”

During the summer, the Salvation Army’s Trimble Street location will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. as a cooling center.

The Paducah National Weather Service office issued a heat advisory for the dangerously hot conditions from Thursday morning until Friday evening.