NEW: City of Worcester Announces Cooling Centers Are Open
Monday, July 15, 2013
The City of Worcester’s Emergency Management Department and the Division of Public Health announced that the cooling centers are now open through Wednesday, July 17 to provide citizens with refuge from the extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, the heat index is expected to exceed 95 degrees during the day time hours.
The City’s primary cooling center is located at the Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street and will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In partnership with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, free transportation is available to the cooling center by calling (508) 752-9283.
Additionally, the Worcester Public Library and its branch libraries will be open to provide citizens respite from the heat. Hours and locations are as follows: Main Library, 3 Salem Square, Monday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m, Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m, Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m; Frances Perkins Branch, 470 West Boylston Street, Monday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m, Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m, Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m; Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma Street, Monday: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m, Tuesday: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m, Wednesday 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
TIPS TO PREVENT HEAT RELATED ILLNESS
- Never leave infants, children or the frail elderly unattended in a parked car.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Use a hat and sunscreen as needed.
- Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage to replace salts and minerals lost during heavy sweating. (If a client/resident is on a low-sodium diet, check with his/her physician first.)
- During the hottest parts of the day, keep physical activities to a minimum and stay indoors in air-conditioning and out of the sun.
- Use fans as needed.
- Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate when appropriate.
- Use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths.
- Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to the body. Eat frozen treats.
Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
Heat stroke—which occurs when the body can’t control its temperature—may result in disability or death if emergency treatment is not given. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses a large amount of water and salt contained in sweat.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but may include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, orally)
- Unconsciousness
- Dizziness, nausea and confusion
- Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
Warning signs of heat exhaustion vary, but may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Paleness, tiredness, dizziness
WHAT TO DO
If you see any of these signs for heat stroke or heat exhaustion, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency and should do the following:
- Have someone call 911 while you begin cooling the victim.
- Get the victim to a shady area.
- Cool the victim rapidly with a cool bath or shower, or by sponging with cool water, until body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit, orally.
- If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
- Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
- Again, get medical assistance as soon as possible.
If a victim’s muscles twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke, keep the victim from injuring him/herself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting,make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his/her side.
Related Articles
- NEW: Record High Temperatures Predicted for Worcester
- 5 Ways To Look Fabulous In The Summer Heat
- City Cooling Centers Open
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It