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City of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Director of Health and Human Services Helen R. Caulton-Harris and Emergency Preparedness Director Bob Hassett have issued a Heat Emergency today and announced that the City will open cooling centers. The sites are expected to remain through Tuesday, June 10th. The sites are: - Pine Point Senior Center 335 Berkshire Avenue
- Mason Square Senior Center 74 Walnut Street
- Mayflower Senior Center at Blessed Hope Church 1516 Sumner Ave.
- Riverview Senior Center 120 Clyde Street/Division Street
- Raymond A. Sullivan Safety Complex 1212 Carew Street
- Greenleaf Community Center 1188 ½ Parker Street
- Hungry Hill 444 Armory Street
- Goodlife Center 1600 East Columbus Ave.
Most sites will open at 8:30 AM and cease operations at 5:00PM with the exception of Greenleaf Community Center and Riverview Senior Center. Those two sites will remain open until 8:00 PM.
In addition, Friends of the Homeless, 503 Worthington Street is allowing clients to go their Day Center from 12:00-4:00PM.
Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly. Heat stress places a strain on the body, and if the strain becomes too great, it can cause serious and permanent damage, even death. Preventive measures should be taken in order to avoid heat stress.
Certain medical conditions and prescription drugs can make you more vulnerable to heat stress. Those who have high blood pressure, diabetes, a weak or damaged heart, infection or fever, diarrhea, problems with circulation, skin diseases, sunburn, those who are overweight, or who have had a previous stroke are at a greater risk of falling victim to heat stress. In addition, those who take medication for sleeplessness, high blood pressure, nervousness, depression, or poor circulation are also more susceptible to heat stress. If you fall into either of these categories, consult your doctor of pharmacist for advice.
Loss of appetite, lack of energy, fainting, and cramps are signs that you are losing the battle against heat. Take the appropriate steps to protect yourself.
What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
- Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tables unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much as possible.
- Protect ace and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
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