http://richmondvacitynews.blogspot.com/2013/07/city-cooling-stations-open-today.html
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
The city has opened three cooling stations, today through Friday, July 19, to assist residents with the high temperatures. City cooling stations are opened when the temperature and/or heat index is expected to reach or exceed 95 degrees. City cooling stations will be open from noon to 5 p.m. today through July 19 and are located at:
● Southside Community Services Center, 4100 Hull Street Road
● Department of Social Services, 900 East Marshall Street
● East District Center, 701 North 25th Street
Bottled water will be available, but food will not be provided. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed.
For more information regarding cooling services, residents can contact the Department of Social Services Fuel Assistance Office at (804) 646-7046. Elderly residents with heat related issues can contact the Adult Protective Service Unit at (804) 646-0501. In the event of a heat related emergency, please call 9-1-1.
All residents should take measures to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat during the day. Drink plenty of fluids (2-4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.) To replace salt and minerals lost from sweating, drink fruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or when you have to work outside.
Avoid sunburn and wear light clothing. Sunburn limits your body’s ability to keep itself cool and causes loss of body fluids. Use sunscreen with a high SPF. Lighter-weight clothing that is loose fitting and light colored is more comfortable during extreme temperatures. Use a hat to keep the head cool.
Give your body a break as the heat wave can be stressful on your body. Limit physical activity until your body adjusts to the heat.
If you cannot make it to a City cooling station, you can stay cool and safe by remaining in an air-conditioned area. Take a cool shower or a bath. Consider a trip to the mall or a local library or visit a friend with air conditioning. Spending at least two hours per day in air conditioning significantly reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses. When temperatures reach the upper 90s or above, a fan may not prevent heat-related illness.
One of the most important precautions you should take is to schedule or reschedule activities and outdoor work during the coolest parts of the day. In the summer, sunlight exposure is greatest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Never leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a car can reach more than 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.
Posted by Office of the Press Secretary to the Mayor at 1:14 PM