Cooling Centers Provide Emergency Heat Relief

With a heat advisory in effect through Wednesday, the United Way has released a list of cooling shelters where residents may go to get out of the heat during the day.

In High Ridge and the surrounding area, residents can go to the , 2800 Community Lane, where the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA) runs a program. The civic center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday as a place of respite for those who need a cool location to get out of the heat.

The MEAAA senior center in Arnold, at 1695 Missouri State Road (st Astra Way), will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area with heat index readings expected to be about 100 degrees. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid- to high 90s through the rest of the week. 

A list of cooling shelters in surrounding communities can be found at United Way 2-1-1 or by calling United Way at 211 on a landline.  If 211 is blocked, or calling from a cell phone, call 800-427-4626.

Operation Weather Survival and United Way 2-1-1 reminds everyone to take care during hot weather advisories, warnings and emergencies. For information on what to do during a hot-weather emergency, Missouri and Southwest Illinois residents can call 800-427-4626. For senior citizens who may not be able to pay for air-conditioning, bill assistance information is available by calling United Way 2-1-1 at 211 or 800-427-4626. All calls are free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

Taking preventive action is the best defense against having to deal with extreme hot-weather conditions.

Following are tips, compiled by Operation Weather Survival staffers, to help keep people safe and cool during hot weather emergencies.

Hot weather tips

• Stay cool — Stay out of the direct sun and heat. Spend as many hours as possible in a cool place. Minimize physical activity. Take cool baths or showers; use cool towels. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing.

• Drink plenty of water/natural juices — Cool drinks help to replenish fluid losses due to increased perspiration in high temperature. Drink at least six to eight glasses of fluids every day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they cause your body to lose more water. Keep a few bottles of water in your freezer — if the power goes out, move them to your refrigerator and keep the doors shut.

• Eat regularly — Prepare easy, cool, light items. Fresh vegetable salads, tuna and meat salads, fresh fruit mixtures, whole grain products and cheeses can all contribute to cool nutritious summer meals. Hot soups and casseroles and other products served hot can make you warmer at meal-time. Avoid using cooking ovens. Avoid using salt tablets – unless directed to do so by a physician.

• Develop a buddy system with family, friends, or neighbors — Develop a personal support network of people who will check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods, and plan how you will help each other in an emergency. Watch for signs of heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion. Call for help when needed.

• Plan Ahead — Ask your doctor about any prescription medicine you keep refrigerated (most medicine will be fine to leave in a closed refrigerator for at least 3 hours). Make plans for any animals and pets. Keep a battery-operated radio on hand to hear news reports and a flashlight handy for lighting. Remember extra batteries. Do not use candles due to fire hazards. Cordless phones may not operate during power outages so keep a corded phone handy or plugged in to another jack.

• Keep Cool — Close your curtains and windows in the morning to keep the sun and heat out of your home. Open windows and doors at night to cool inside temperatures. Keep electric lights off or turned down. If you don’t have air conditioning leave your home and go to a cool safe place, senior centers, shopping malls, etc. are options.

• Call 911 if you or anyone you know needs medical attention.

Operation Weather Survival (OWS) is a network of public and private organizations that coordinate resources and educate the public to prevent illness and death caused by extreme hot or cold weather. United Way handles the administration and call center for OWS.