For Immediate Release
Date: June 27, 2012
Contact: Mary Rose Corrigan, RN
City of Dubuque Health Services Department
Phone: (563) 589-4181
Cooling Center Open - Excessive Heat Event
Due to the soaring temperatures and heat indices predicted to be above 105°F, the City of Dubuque is advising citizens to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related illness.
Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, the people at greatest risk include:
• People age 65 or older.
• Infants and young children.
• Overweight individuals.
• People who are performing manual labor or exercising outdoors.
• People who have chronic health conditions, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as those for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.
A Public Cooling Center have been established at the following location:
? Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central - 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 pm
To protect your health when temperatures and humidity are high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:
• Increase fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. The best way to tell you are well hydrated is if your urine is light yellow. If it gets dark, stop and rehydrate by drinking water immediately.
• If experiencing a lot of sweating, especially over several hours, replace salt and minerals by eating foods like bananas and salty crackers, or drink rehydrating beverages that contain salts, such as sports drinks and special rehydration fluids.
• Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wear sunscreen.
• Wear hats that shade your face, such as sun hats, visors, etc.
• Keep in the shade or air conditioned areas as much as possible.
• Work slowly if you are not used to working or exercising in heat and humidity. Stop immediately if you get dizzy, nauseated, or feel weak. Go into an air conditioned space and drink cool liquids.
• Use a buddy system. Watch others for heat-induced illness, since some people may not realize they are suffering heat-related illnesses and can become confused or lose consciousness.
For further excessive heat information and resources, phone 211 for the most current information and resources.