Dangerously hot and humid conditions with heat indexes in the 105 to 110 range are possible through this weekend. Below you will find information on area cooling centers and what to watch for with heat-related illnesses.
Reminder:
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in
vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during
warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal
temperatures in a matter of minutes.
From the Polk County Health Department:
Anyone is at risk for heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially young children, older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and anyone spending significant time outdoors. “We look forward to the weekend so we can spend more time outdoors. But, the conditions this weekend could be dangerous,” said Helen Eddy, Director of Polk County Health Department. “Please take extra precautions to stay safe.”
With many outdoor events going on this weekend, individuals need to take the following precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses:
- Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, headache, or fainting. Symptoms of heatstroke are high body temperature, hot, red, dry skin, fast pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
- Drink plenty of water. DO NOT wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they dehydrate you.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors. Spend at least two hours in air conditioning each day.
- Try to avoid being outdoors in the hottest portion of the day: 11 AM to 4 PM.
“While those who are exerting themselves outdoors are certainly at an increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, periods of prolonged extreme heat like we are expecting this week can quickly raise the temperature to dangerous levels in homes that do not have air conditioning,” said Eddy.
Many public places such as malls, libraries, and other public spaces are air-conditioned and are open to the public as daytime cooling centers. For a full list of daytime cooling centers that are open, visit the Polk County Health Department’s website at the Polk County Health Department website or call 211.
Cooling Centers
“Cooling centers” are any public building that is open for visitors to relax in an air-conditioned space. These include libraries, indoor shopping malls, and more. If you have trouble finding a location, check with your city or county for recommendations.
Transportation to Cooling Centers:
DART has been activated to provide free rides to cooling centers.
They will provide FREE bus rides to and from daytime cooling
centers and emergency homeless shelters from 9a-9p. Riders need
to inform the driver they are going to or from a cooling center or
homeless shelter. Anyone requiring PARA-TRANSIT may call
515.283.8105 to request a ride.
Animal Cooling Center:
Animal Rescue League of Iowa has been activated. They are a
daytime cooling center for those with pets and welcome residents
to their main location at 5452 NE 22nd Street in Des Moines for
people and their pets to get out of the heat and cool off. Hours
include 10 am-6 pm. For more information and questions regarding
pet sheltering please call ARL at 515.262.9503. If pets are observed
in a parked car unaccompanied, please call local law enforcement.
