HEIGHTS — The National Weather Service is predicting hot and humid weather conditions for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, with temperatures expected peak in the mid-90s. These extreme conditions can be dangerous – causing heat-related health problems for many individuals – particularly children, seniors, overweight people and those who are ill or on certain medications.
The city announced that its senior and recreational centers are available as cooling centers. Residents who are adversely affected by the heat and do not have access to air conditioning are welcome to visit these facilities for temporary relief.
The facilities (and hours of operation) are:
• Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday noo) to 5 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library, 24602 Van Born
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday noon to 8 p.m.
Friday noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday noo) to 5 p.m
• Richard A. Young Recreation Center, 5400 McKinley
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, residents also can visit the city’s senior centers
for temporary relief from the heat:
• Berwyn Senior Center, 16155 Richardson
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Eton Senior Center, 4900 Pardee
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to the city-owned facilities, there are several other locations in the area that
serve as good places to escape the heat temporarily:
• Malls & Shopping Centers offer a way to stay cool, get some shopping done, get some walking exercise, and take advantage of several other activities (such as movie theaters, and dining.);
• Museums and Libraries provide an opportunity to stay cool indoors for an afternoon while viewing some items and information of interest, or catching up on some reading.
Particularly during these extreme conditions, all residents are advised to take a few basic heat-related precautions:
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Make sure your pets have access to plenty of fresh water.
• Reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor work.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Pace yourself – don’t overdo it.
• Stay cool indoors. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a public building, such as one of the City’s senior centers, libraries, or a nearby shopping mall.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on elderly, disabled or ill friends and relatives regularly.
• Do not leave children or pets in parked cars.
Under these conditions, heat stroke can occur quickly. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature that exceeds 103 degrees, lack of sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, confusion and even unconsciousness. If someone is suffering from these symptoms, health officials recommend the victim be cooled rapidly, to 101 or 102 degrees, and a call placed to 911 for immediate health care.
Pet owners should also be mindful to protect their pets from the extreme heat, by keeping them out of direct sunlight and hot environments as much as possible, and making sure they have plenty of cool drinking water.
For more information on coping with the heat, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp
For more information on the local weather conditions, check the National Weather Service (White Lake facility) website at:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dtx/