It's hotter than Hades! Find relief from the heat at these area locations

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
Check on friends and neighbors—Especially older adults and individuals with a disability or chronic health conditions, as heat is more likely to affect their health. If you find an emergency situation – call 911. In a non-emergency situation, if a senior or disabled adult is suspected of being in need of assistance due to warm weather, make a call. Make a difference. Call the toll-free Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210
Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness—What to do matters, depending on type of illness occurring. Signs of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; dizziness; headache; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; nausea or vomiting; or fainting (passing out). If you think you or others are experiencing heat exhaustion, you should stop physical activity and move to a cool place that is preferably air-conditioned, loosen clothing, and sip cool water.
Seek medical attention immediately if you or others are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hour. Heat stroke is life-threatening and occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature or cool down. Signs of heat stroke may include extremely high body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry skin with no sweat; fast, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; or loss of consciousness (passing out). You should call 911 right away, as heat stroke is a medical emergency. Then, if you are able, move to a cool place that is preferably air-conditioned. Help lower the person’s body temperature with cool clothes or a cool bath until medical personnel arrive. Do not give the person anything to drink.

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

Ash Grove Branch Library, 101 E. Main St., Ash Grove
Fair Grove Branch Library, 81 S. Orchard Blvd., Fair Grove
Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield
Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square, Springfield
Republic Branch Library, 921 N. Lindsey Ave., Republic
Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 S. Brentwood Blvd., Springfield
Strafford Branch Library, 101 MO-125, Strafford
Willard Branch Library, 304 E. Jackson St., Willard
Rare Breed Youth Services, 301 N. Main Ave., Springfield
Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield.

Additionally, the following locations are open and available as emergency cooling centers during heat advisories:

Ash Grove Sunshine Center, 310 N. Perryman Ave., Ash Grove
Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Road, Springfield
Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Road, Springfield
Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St., Springfield
Fair Grove Senior Center, 122 S. Orchard Blvd., Fair Grove
Republic Senior Friendship Center, 210 E. Hines St., Republic
Salvation Army Springfield, 1701 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield
South Side Senior Center, 2215 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield
Strafford Senior Center, 201 W. Bumgarner Blvd., Strafford.

Click the link below for a map of cooling centers in Missouri:
Before you go to the cooling center, verify the open times on the website, whether it’s ADA accessible, and whether it offers transportation to and from the facility.

Cooling Centers 2.0

Map of Cooling Centers in the state of Missouri. Data for this map is provided through a partnership between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and United Way 2-1-1.

experience.arcgis.com