Cooling centers available to the public, tips to avoid heat-related illness

This summer, various cooling centers will be available for residents should they need to visit them. The available cooling centers will be operating during their normal business hours. Anyone who needs to use a cooling center will have access to public areas within the center such as lobbies, restrooms and drinking fountains.

Cooling centers include:

• ARC (Activity and Recreation Center), 1701 W. Ash St.
• City Hall, 701 E. Broadway
• Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St.
• Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway
• Salvation Army, 1108 W. Ash St.
• Salvation Army Harbor House, 602 N. Ann St.

For more information on cooling centers, visit https://www.como.gov/health/public-health-safety/warming-and-cooling-centers/

Exposure to extreme heat can cause a variety of health problems, including heatstroke and even death. Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to 4 years old, people 65 years old and older, and people who are ill or on certain medications.

Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heatstroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Warning signs of heatstroke vary but may include an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and loss of consciousness.

Tips to avoid heat-related illness:

• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Public cooling centers are available to the general public.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink water often. Be sure to drink before you are thirsty. Stay hydrated.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside or in a building without air conditioning.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat when outside, preferably with a wide brim.
• Apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions. Look for sunscreens that say "broad spectrum".

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.