[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Public Health and Human Services Urges Caution as Heat Advisory is Issued

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Public Health and Human Services, 573.874.7355

Public Health and Human Services Urges Caution as Heat Advisory is Issued

COLUMBIA, MO (August 21, 2014) - COLUMBIA, MO -  The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Boone and surrounding counties until 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 26. The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services reminds residents to be aware of the many dangers posed by hot weather.

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.

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 members or neighbors regularly. It is also important never to leave children (pets, too!) unattended in hot environments without air-conditioning, including unsupervised vehicles, and to watch for signs and symptoms of dehydration.

As the temperature begins to rise, the public is reminded of several locations in Columbia available to those who need shelter from the extreme heat.

Cooling Centers 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 warming centers include:

ARC (Activity and Recreation Center) at 1707 West Ash Street - 573.874.7700
Armory Sports and Community Center at 701 East Ash Street - 573.874.7466
Boone County Government Center at 801 East Walnut - 573.886.4305
Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health & Human Services at 1005 West Worley - 573.874.7488
Columbia Public Library at 100 West Broadway - 573.443.3161 
Salvation Army at 1108 West Ash Street - 573.442.3229 
Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 North Ann - 573.442.1984 
St. Francis House at 901 Rangeline - 573.875.4913

Cooling Centers have outlets available for patrons needing to plug in medical devices.

Official Shelters provide sleeping accommodations. These locations may or may not include meals. Columbia's official shelters include:

New Life Evangelistic Center (for men) at 901 Wilkes Blvd - 573.875.0603 
Rainbow House (for children/youth) at 1611 Towne Dr. - 573.474.3558 
Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 North Ann - 573.442.1984
St. Francis House (for men) at 901 Rangeline - 573.875.4913
True North (for victims of domestic violence) - 573.875.1369
Welcome Home (for veterans) at 1206 Rangeline - 573.443.8001

For more information on Cooling Centers or our utility assistance programs, please visit the City of Columbia website at www.gocolumbiamo.com/Health.

 -30- 

______________________________________________________

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of Columbia's Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/
______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/