[Press Release] : Heat expected to reach dangerous levels

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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______________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2006

CONTACT: Heather Baer 
(573) 874-7632

Heat expected to reach dangerous levels: residents should take
precautions against heat-related illness	
								
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - Each year many Missourians suffer from
heat-related illnesses, and even death. Last year, 25 Missourians died
due to heat-related causes; 12 of these persons were age 65 or older.
Heat advisories have been issued for several parts of Missouri, and it
is predicted that Central Missouri and the Columbia/Boone County area
will be included by the end of the weekend.  
	A heat advisory is based on the heat index, which is the
combined effect of temperature and humidity on the body or how it feels
on the body. A heat advisory is issued because weather conditions are
serious and action must be taken to avoid heat-related illnesses and
deaths.  
	Very young, elderly and chronically ill people are more
vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. They perspire less and
are more likely to have health problems requiring medications that can
impair the body's response to heat. Many prescription medications make
individuals more sensitive to the heat. Some of these medications
include antipsychotics, major tranquilizers, antihistamines,
over-the-counter sleeping pills, antidepressants, heart drugs and some
antiparkinsonian agents. 
	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 the brain or other vital organs. 
	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 your home at night, but do not rely on a fan as
your primary cooling device during a heat wave. As the air temperature
rises, airflow is increasingly ineffective in cooling the body at
temperatures above about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (the exact number varies
with the humidity) and increasing air movement actually increases heat
stress. More specifically, when the temperature of the air rises to
about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the fan may be delivering overheated air
to the skin at a rate that exceeds the capacity of the body to get rid
of this heat, even with sweating, and the net effect is to add heat
rather than to cool the body. 
	Citizens are urged to participate in preventative measures such
as checking on elderly family or neighbors regularly to be sure they are
not suffering from a heat-related illness. Concerned citizens are
encouraged to use the state's toll-free abuse and neglect hotline to
report any elderly or disabled persons suffering from the heat and
needing assistance by calling 1-800-392-0210. It is also important never
to leave children unattended in hot environments and watch for signs and
symptoms of dehydration. 	
	Residents who do not have air conditioning in their homes can
visit one of the cooling centers located in Columbia as a place to seek
air conditioned shelter and access to drinking water. The cooling
centers are accessible by the Columbia Transit System and are available
for use only during the time periods in which a heat advisory has been
issued for this area by the National Weather Service. The following
locations are open to the public during their regular business hours and
should not be used if you are in need of medical treatment. 

Location					Address			Bus
Line
Area Activity Center (ARC)			1707 W. Ash Street	
               Red
Armory Sports and Community Center		701 E.
Ash		Blue
Columbia Public Library			100 W. Broadway	        
       Red
Columbia Mall				2300 Bernadette Dr.	Green & 
Blue
Columbia/Boone County Health Dept.		1005 W.
Worley		Green
Columbia Parks and Recreation office		601 Business Loop
70	Blue
Oakland Senior Center			1301 Vandiver Dr. Ste. Q       
Orange
Paquin Towers				1201 Paquin Street 	        
       Red

	This information can also be found on the city of Columbia Web
site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com.	

- 30 -
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