Be Safe In The Heat

A friendly reminder published by the Peoria City/County Health Department:

The Peoria City/County Health Department is reminding the public about the risk of extremely hot weather which can cause serious health problems for everyone.

Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator Greg Chance says, "With extremely high temperatures expected this week, it is important to check in with family, friends, and neighbors who may be affected by this extremely high heat. Cooling centers are open in our area to offer people relief from the heat. Individuals who have no access to a cool environment should use cooling centers during a heat wave."

Cooling centers in the Peoria area include the following:

• Salvation Army, 417 NE Jefferson, 8:30-4:30
• Friendship House, 800 NE Madison, 8:30-5, M-F
• Local DHS office, 2301 NE Adams, 8:30-5 M-F
• Fire Stations open 24/7 located at:
  • 505 N.E. Monroe
  • 1204 W. Armstrong
  • 2711 S.W. Jefferson
  • 832 W. Hurlburt
  • 3316 N. Wisconsin
  • 1025 W. Florence
  • 3005 N.E. Adams
  • 2114 W. Richwoods
  • 717 W. Detweiller
  • 2105 W. Northmoor
  • 5719 N. Frostwood
  • 2020 W. Wilhelm

To prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke during hot weather, take the following measures:

• Try to keep cool during extremely high temperature.
• Stay in a cool environment (preferably air conditioned).
• Limit outdoor activities.
• Drink plenty of cool fluids (like water) regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
• Avoid liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – they cause you to lose more body fluids.
• Avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.
• Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself.
• Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes.
• Take care of your pets. Give extra water and be sure to place the water dish in a shaded area if outdoors. Make sure pets have a protected place where they can get away from the sun.

Chance adds a special caution for children, "Use common sense. Heat related injuries may develop with or without feelings of discomfort. Young children, particularly infants, are extremely sensitive to heat and can easily become dehydrated (lose more body fluids than usual) from high air temperatures."

For more information on heat-related illness, please contact the Peoria City/County Health Department at 309/679-6131. For more information on other public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org.