With heat advisory in effect Monday, Springfield has public cooling centers

Susan Szuch, Springfield News-Leader
·3 min read
The Silver Springs Park pool on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

With a heat advisory in effect for Springfield until 8 p.m. on Monday, and temperatures in the 90s forecast for the week, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department is reminding people of the resources available to prevent heat-related illness.

The high for Monday is expected to be 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will feel like 103 to 109 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. As of Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service isn't extending the heat advisory to Tuesday.

Due to the heat advisory on Monday, local air-conditioned facilities are available as public cooling centers for those without shelter or air-conditioned homes, according to the SGCHD.

Silver Springs Park & Pool, 1100 N. Hampton Ave., will have extended hours until 8 p.m. tonight. Updated pool hours can be found at parkboard.org/aquatics. Other cooling centers include the lobbies of the following facilities:

  • Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway St. Closes at 10:30 p.m.

  • Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Road. Closes at 9 p.m.

  • Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Road. Closes at 9 p.m.

  • Doling Family Center, 310 E. Talmage St. Closes at 9 p.m.

The SGCHD also noted that Springfield-Greene County Libraries are also a good option for those needing to stay out of the heat. A list of library hours and locations can be found at thelibrary.org/branches.

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Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness, and is characterized by heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting. People showing these symptoms should be moved to a cool spot, rest and drink cool water, according to the SGCHD, and should seek medical attention if the symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse.

Heat stroke is a potentially deadly heat-related illness which occurs when the body's temperature is at or above 104 degrees. Symptoms include high body temperature, red, hot or dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately if someone exhibits those symptoms.

Children, senior adults and people with chronic illness are at highest risk of heat-related illness.

The SGCHD offers these tips to protect against heat-related illness:

  • Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.

  • Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

  • Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

For more information on staying safe in the heat and other summer-related topics, visit health.springfieldmo.gov/summer.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Here are the public cooling centers in Springfield, Missouri