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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 105%;">Columbia/Boone County, MO<br />
Public Health & Human Services<br />
1005 W. Worley St., Columbia, MO 65203
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<h2 style="font-size: 200%;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</h2>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">July 10, 2017</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 75px; font-size: 120%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Eric Stann, Community Relations Specialist
<br />(573) 874-7632 or eric.stann@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:200%;"><h3 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 170%;">Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services reminds residents about the dangers of summer heat</h3>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display: inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As daily high temperatures are forecast above 90 degrees over the next couple of days, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services reminds Boone County residents about the dangers of summer heat. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Summer heat can take its toll on a person's health, especially the very young, the elderly and the chronically ill, because they are more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. These individuals perspire less and are more likely to take medications that can impair the body's response to heat and make them more sensitive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heat-related illness occurs when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Very high body temperatures may damage vital organs and spur heat-related illness, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are things residents can do to prevent heat related illnesses including:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dress for the heat and use a hat or umbrella to block the sun.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drink water and avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eat small meals and eat more often.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stay indoors with air-conditioning when possible.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take regular breaks during physical activity.</span></li>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most efficient way to beat the heat is to spend time in an air-conditioned area. Electric fans may be useful to increase comfort or to draw cool air into a home at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during a heat wave. Residents are also urged to check on elderly family members or neighbors regularly during this time. Never leave children or household pets unattended in hot environments without air-conditioning, including unsupervised vehicles, and watch for signs and symptoms of dehydration.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services coordinates a network of warming and cooling centers in the community. Residents are reminded of several locations in Columbia that are available to those who need shelter from the extreme heat.</span></p>
<p><strong>Cooling Centers</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are available to the general public during the building's normal business hours. The public is allowed access to public areas, such as lobbies, restrooms, drinking fountains, etc. Columbia's cooling centers include:</span></p>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ARC (Activity and Recreation Center) at 1707 West Ash Street - 573-874-7700</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Armory Sports and Community Center at 701 East Ash Street - 573-874-7466</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boone County Government Center at 801 East Walnut - 573-886-4305</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services at 1005 West Worley - 573-874-7488</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia Public Library at 100 West Broadway - 573-443-3161</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Salvation Army at 1108 West Ash Street - 573-442-3229</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 North Ann - 573-442-1984 </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">St. Francis House at 901 Rangeline - 573-875-4913</span></li>
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<p><strong>Official Shelters</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> provide sleeping accommodations. These locations may or may not include meals. Columbia's official shelters include:</span></p>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">New Life Evangelistic Center (for men) at 901 Wilkes Blvd. - 573-875-0603</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rainbow House (for children/youth) at 1611 Towne Dr. - 573-474-3558</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 North Ann - 573-442-1984</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">St. Francis House (for men) at 901 Rangeline - 573-875-4913</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">True North (for victims of domestic violence) - 573-875-1369</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Welcome Home (for veterans) at 1206 Rangeline - 573-443-8001</span></li>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;"> For more information, please visit the City of Columbia website at</span><a href="http://www.como.gov/Health"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">www.CoMo.gov/Health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></div>
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