It’s going to get real hot in the coming days and here is some information on how you can protect yourself and your pets from the heat:

To protect people 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 remember to 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

Pet owners should also follow these tips to keep animals safe in the heat:

  • Do not leave a pet unattended in a hot car.
  • Always make sure pets have access to cool, clean, fresh water as well as adequate food and shelter.
  • Walk your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. If you must walk mid-day, shorten the distance. And keep your dog in the grass as much as possible, as hot sidewalks can burn the pads of their feet.
  • Do not leave a dog outdoors unattended on a chain or tether. Long-term chaining during the summer can result in countless insect bites, dehydration, and heat stroke.
  • If you see a child, pet, or unresponsive adult in a closed, parked vehicle, immediately call 911. For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit health.springfieldmo.gov/heat.

 

If you are out and about in town and you need a place to cool down for a bit, or perhaps you know someone who needs some relief from the heat, here’s a list of cooling centers in Springfield:

Cooling Centers

  • The Library Center – 4653 S. Campbell
  • Ozarks Regional YMCA – Pat Jones YMCA – 1901 E. Republic Rd.
  • Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library – 2241 Brentwood Blvd
  • Midtown Carnegie Branch Library – 397 E. Central St.
  • OTC Shelter Service – 1001 E. Chestnut Expy
  • Park Central Branch Library – 128 Park Central Square
  • Library Station – 2535 N. Kansas Expy
  • South Side Senior Center – 2215 South Fremont
  • Chesterfield Family Center – 2511 W. Republic Rd
  • Salvation Army Springfield – 1707 W Chestnut Expy
  • Jordan Valley Ice Park – 635 E. Trafficway
  • Dan Kinney Family Center – 2701 S. Blackman Rd
  • Northview Senior Center – 305 E. Talmage
  • Doling Family Center – 310 E. Talmage St
  • Gerry Pool Senior Friendship Center (formerly Republic Senior Friendship Center – 210 East Hines, Republic
  • Republic Branch Library – 921 N. Lindsey, Republic
  • Willard Branch Library – 304 E. Jackson St., Willard
  • Rogersville Area Senior Center – 197 S. Marshall, Rogersville
  • Strafford Branch Library – 101 S. State Hwy 125, Strafford
  • Strafford Senior Center – 201 W. Bumgarner, Strafford
  • Union Hill Church Of Christ – 865 N. Nicholas Rd., Nixa
  • Nixa Fire Station #1 – 711 N. Main,
  • Nixa Fire Station #2 – 301 S. Nicholas Rd.
  • Nixa Community Library Branch – 208 N. McCroskey St.
  • Nixa Senior Center – 404 S. Main
  • Ozark Senior Center – 727 N. 9th St
  • Ozark Community Library Branch – 1005 N. 4th Ave

Connecting Grounds Water Refill Station

Currently, there are 9 stations out to provide clean, safe drinking water to those without stable shelter in our community. They will also help reduce the amount of plastic waste created with summer outreach, as they will give out 1,000 reusable water bottles through the outreach center and partner organizations. This was a project of The Connecting Ground’s lived experience cohort, who helped design the stations, build them, and install the completed ones at our host locations. Their first-hand knowledge of the dangers heat creates for individuals on the streets helped us create and place these new outreach tools! Each night the Connecting Grounds will have an outreach team that will visit each location to refill water and ice, pick up trash, and ensure everything is in good condition.

  • First Unitarian Universalist Church – 2434 E. Battlefield Ave
  • Brentwood Christian Church – 1900 E. Barataria St
  • National Avenue Christian Church – 1515 S. National Ave
  • University Heights Baptist Church – 1010 S. National Ave
  • Christ Episcopal Church – 601 E Walnut St
  • The Venues at 425 – 425 W. Walnut St
  • TCG Outreach Center – 3000 W. Chestnut Expressway
  • The Connecting Grounds – 4341 W. Chestnut Expressway
  • Sacred Heart Church – 1609 N. Summit

 

Please see the links below for more information

 

Greene County Hot Weather Resources - Google My Maps
Resource map for cooling centers and water refill stations located in Greene County MO
Read More
www.google.com

 

COOLING CENTERS LIST: Springfield-Greene County Health Department warns of risk of heat-related illness
As heat indexes reach triple-digit values, Springfield-Greene County health leaders remind the community of the dangers of heat-related illness for both people and pets.
Read More
www.ky3.com