Metro-east cooling centers open during heat advisory

Tag : Heat And Cool


Cooling sites are open around the region to help people cool offduring today's heat advisory.
Highs will top out in the upper 90s and the afternoon heat index isexpected to reach near 105 degrees.
A heat advisory is issued when high temperature and humidity levelsare expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or hotter.People in the advisory area are advised to avoid prolonged work inthe sun or in poorly ventilated areas. Keep plenty of liquids onhand and try to stay in an air conditioned environment.
"Go over to your elderly neighbor's house and check on them, go into their house and check on them because some of them won't turn ontheir air conditioning," said United Way spokeswoman CarrieZukoski. "Bring them over to your house, especially in theafternoon because it's hot."
Senior citizens worried about not being able to pay the electricbill if they turn on the air conditioner or those without airconditioning are invited to cool off at several local coolingcenters. Senior citizens can inquire about electric bill assistanceby calling (800) 427-4626.
Relief from the heat is available today at the following locations:
The Salvation Army at 3007 East 23rd St. in Granite City will beopen from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Identificationis required.
Chouteau Township Hall at 906 Thorngate Drive in Granite City willbe open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..
The Wood River Roundhouse at 633 Wood River Ave. in Wood River willbe open from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Wood River Fire Station at 501 Edwardsville Road in Wood Riveris a designated cooling center. Call 259-0984 for hours.
The Clyde Jordan Senior Citizens Center at 6755 State St. in EastSt. Louis is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House at 1200 N. 13th St. inEast St. Louis is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Salvation Army at 616 N. 16th St. in East St. Louis is openfrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Salvation Army at 20 Glory Place in Belleville is open from 10a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Collinsville Senior Citizens center at 420 E. Main St. inCollinsville is open to senior citizens only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Faith Countryside Homes at 1331 26th St. in Highland is open from 8a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Tri-Township Park District Community Center at 410 Wickliffe inTroy is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Operation Weather Survival, a coalition of local government,faith-based and charitable organizations, have offered a few tipsto stay cool and healthy during a heat wave:
• Stay cool -- Stay out of the direct sun and heat. Spend as manyhours as possible in a cool place. Minimize physical activity. Takecool baths or showers; use cool towels. Wear lightweight,light-colored, loose fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of water/natural juices -- Cool drinks help toreplenish fluid losses due to increased perspiration in hightemperature. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of fluids every day. Avoidalcohol and caffeine as they cause your body to lose more water.Keep a few bottles of water in your freezer -- if the power goesout, move them to your refrigerator and keep the doors shut.
• Eat regularly -- Prepare easy, cool, light items. Fresh vegetablesalads, tuna and meat salads, fresh fruit mixtures, whole grainproducts and cheeses can all contribute to cool nutritious summermeals. Hot soups and casseroles and other products served hot canmake you warmer at meal-time. Avoid using ovens. Avoid using salttablets - unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Develop a buddy system with family, friends, or neighbors --Develop a personal support network of people who will check in withyou at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods, and planhow you will help each other in an emergency. Watch for signs ofheat stroke and/or heat exhaustion. Call for help when needed.
• Plan ahead -- Ask your doctor about any prescription medicine youkeep refrigerated (most medicine will be fine to leave in a closedrefrigerator for at least 3 hours). Make plans for any animals andpets. Keep a battery-operated radio on hand to hear news reportsand a flashlight handy for lighting. Remember extra batteries. Donot use candles due to fire hazards. Cordless phones may notoperate during power outages so keep a corded phone handy orplugged in to another jack.
• Keep cool -- Close your curtains and windows in the morning tokeep the sun and heat out of your home. Open windows and doors atnight to cool inside temperatures. Keep electric lights off orturned down. If you don't have air conditioning leave your home andgo to a cool safe place, senior centers, shopping malls, etc. areoptions.
• Call 911 if you or anyone you know needs medical attention.