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Mayor and other city officials warn residents to plan for excessive heat

As heat index rises, city provides tips for staying safe, cool, and hydrated

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The latest heat warning is not a warning to take lightly.

Metro officials told Kentuckiana during a news conference Thursday, to plan for ways to stay out of the heat and to keep your home cool.

Several cooling centers have been set up to help those without air conditioning or a cool place to stay during the day.

Emergency Services and Public Health officials have offered the tips below for staying safe in the extreme heat:

Prepare NOW

Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.

Keep your home cool by doing the following:

Cover windows with drapes or shades.

Weather-strip doors and windows.

Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.

Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness (heat cramps, excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting).

RELATED: Heat-related illnesses: What to look for, what to do

Be Safe DURING

Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.

Find places with air conditioning or cool conditions. Libraries, spray-pads, shopping malls, and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.

If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.

Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as this could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort but do not reduce body temperature.

Avoid high-energy activities.

Among all weather-related hazards, extreme heat historically results in the highest number of annual deaths. Extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body.

The Salvation Army will have Cooling Stations at the following locations for the dates and hours listed below:   

Clark County: 

The Salvation Army Thrift Store 

528 Little League Blvd. 

Clarksville, IN 

Hours: 

July 18 & July 19, 2019 

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

July 20, 2019 

Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Harrison County: 

The Salvation Army Thrift Store 

1345 Corydon Ramsey Rd. 

Corydon, IN 

Hours: 

July 18 & July 19, 2019 

10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

July 20, 2019 

Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Floyd County: 

The Salvation Army Corps 

2300 Green Valley Rd. 

New Albany, IN 

Hours: 

July 18 & July 19, 2019 

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

More information on ways to prepare for extreme heat:

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