[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Cooling Centers Open

[Press Releases]

For Immediate Release
June 22, 2009
 
Geni Alexander, Public Information Officer
573.874.7632 or gaalexan at GoColumbiaMo.com 
 
Health Department Urges Caution as Temperatures Rise
Cooling Centers Open for Those Who Need Relief
 
The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human
Services, along with the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency
Management (OEM), reminds residents to be aware of the many dangers
posed by summer weather as we observe “Summer Weather Safety Week” in
Missouri. The health department specifically encourages citizens to use
caution and common sense now that summer’s intense heat and humidity has
arrived.   
 
The heat is especially dangerous to 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. Some of these medications include antipsychotic,
major tranquilizers, antihistamines, over-the-counter sleeping pills,
antidepressants and cardiac drugs. 
 
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.
 
There are things you can do to prevent heat related illnesses
including:
•             Dress for the heat (light-colored, light-weight clothes)
and use a hat or umbrella to block the sun
•             Drink water and avoid alcohol beverages and caffeine
•             Eat small meals and eat more often
•             Stay indoors with air-conditioning when possible
•             Take regular breaks when physically active 
 
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. Boone County citizens
are urged to check on elderly family or neighbors regularly. It is also
important never to leave children unattended in hot environments without
air-conditioning, including unsupervised vehicles, and to watch for
signs and symptoms of dehydration.
 
The health department is offering residents who do not have
air-conditioning access to Cooling Centers located throughout Columbia.
The following locations are open to the public during their regular
business hours and provide air-conditioning and/or drinking water.
Cooling Centers are not equipped to handle residents in need of medical
treatment and should only be used for relief from the heat.             

 
Columbia Cooling Centers         
                                                                
LOCATION                                                               
           ADDRESS
ARC                                                                    
                   1707 W. Ash Street
Armory Sports and Community Center                  701 E. Ash         
  
Columbia Public Library                                               
100 W. Broadway
Columbia Mall                                                          
        2300 Bernadette Dr.
Health Department                                                      
  1005 W. Worley
Oakland Senior Center                                                 
805 Old Hwy 63 North
Paquin Towers                                                          
       1201 Paquin Street
 
Additionally, the health department offers two utility assistance
programs for qualified Boone County Residents. H.E.L.P. (Heat Energy and
Light Program) provides one-time emergency assistance to low income
families with young children in the home. C.A.S.H. (Citizens Assisting
Seniors and Handicapped) also provides emergency assistance to
low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities.  
 
For more information on Cooling Centers or our utility assistance
programs, please visit the City of Columbia website at
www.gocolumbiamo.com
 
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