[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Heat Advisory Tips and Cooling Center Info

Thu Jun 30 09:01:14 CDT 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Geni Alexander, PIO
573-874-7632
gaalexan at gocolumbiamo.com

Heat Advisory Tips and Cooling Center Info

COLUMBIA, MO (June 30, 2011) - Health Department Urges Caution as Temperatures Rise

Cooling Centers Open for Those Who Need Relief

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Boone and surrounding counties, in effect from noon today (Thursday) thru Saturday (July 2nd) at 7 pm. The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services reminds residents to be aware of the many dangers posed by hot weather. The health department specifically encourages citizens to use caution and common sense as they enjoy outdoor activities this holiday weekend.

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.

It is important to recognize and react to signs of heat-related illness. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Symptoms of heat stroke can include: hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; hallucinations; chills; throbbing headache; high body temperature; confusion; dizziness and slurred speech. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cool shaded area and cool the person by soaking their clothes with water; spraying, sponging, or showering them with water or fanning their body.

A less lethal, but still serious heat-related illness is heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating; extreme weakness or fatigue; dizziness; confusion; nausea; clammy, moist skin; pale or flushed complexion; muscle cramps; slightly elevated body temperature and fast and shallow breathing. Persons suffering from heat exhaustion should rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area; drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages and take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.

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. 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 offers residents who do not have air‐conditioning access to Cooling Centers located throughout Columbia. The locations listed below are not shelters; they are open to the public during their regular business hours and provide air‐conditioning, access to restrooms and sometimes drinking water. Cooling Centers are not equipped to handle residents in need of medical treatment or those who need a place to sleep. Cooling Center locations should only be used for relief from the heat.

Name of Facility

Street Address

City

Phone

Hours of Operation

ARC

1707 West Ash Street

Columbia

573-874-7700

Normal business hours

Armory Sports and Community Center

701 East Ash Street

Columbia

573-874-7466

Normal business hours

Columbia Public Library

100 West Broadway

Columbia

573-443-3161

Normal business hours

Missouri United Methodist Church

204 South 9th Street

Columbia

573-443-3111

Normal business hours

Oakland Senior Center

805 Old Hwy 63 North

Columbia

573-449-8000

Normal business hours

Public Health and Human Services Department

1005 West Worley

Columbia

573-874-7345

Normal business hours

Salvation Army

1108 West Ash Street

Columbia

573-442-3229

Normal business hours

Salvation Army Harbor House

602 North Ann

Columbia

573-442-1984

Normal business hours

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