Lately, we've been having temperatures above 90 degrees, putting the elderly and very young at risk to heat and heat-related illnesses. Headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy to no sweating, confusion, and pale or flushed skin are all signs of heat-related illnesses.
For persons with heat-related illnesses, the American Red Cross recommends the following treatment:
Move the person to a cool place
Give cool water to drink
Apply ice packs or cool wet cloths to the skin
If a person refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately
Here are some tips for keeping cool in the heat and preventing heat illnesses:
Avoid direct sunlight, and remember that because heat rises, the coolest part of the house is usually the basement.
Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat to evaporate, which cools your body.
If your home is too hot, there are several public places (see list below) that have air conditioning.
Drink a lot of water -- your body uses sweat to control your body temperature. Talk to your physician if you have concerns about drinking too much water.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
Wear light-colored clothing because dark clothing absorbs sunlight. Clothes should be loose fitting and lightweight.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed, light-colored hat and sunglasses.
Never leave children, any other person or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle.
Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks.
Visit persons at risk twice daily and watch for signs of heat illnesses.
Speak with your doctor about any medications you are taking to learn if they may interfere with your body's ability to regulate temperature.
Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Here are official City of Detroit Cooling Locations:
Joseph Walker Williams Center Patton Community Center
8432 Rosa Parks Blvd. 2301 Woodmere
Detroit, MI 48206 Detroit, MI 48209
(313)628-2039 (313) 628-2000
Hours now through 6/23: Hours now through 6/23:
Mon-Fri 6am-9pm Mon-Fri 9am-9pm
Sat 10am-6pm
These branches are open Monday and Wednesday 10am-6pm. Then on Tuesday and Thursday noon-8pm.
Chase Branch 1731 W. Seven Mile Rd (313)578-8002
Conley Branch 4600 Martin (313)224-6461
Douglass Branch 3666 Grand River (313)833-9714
Elmwood Park Branch 550 Chene (313)877-8014
Franklin Branch 13651 E. McNichols (313)852-4797
Sherwood Forest Branch 7117 W. Seven Mile (313)578-7587
These three branches listed below are open Monday and Wednesday noon-8pm. Then on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-6pm.
Campbell Branch 8733 W. Vernor (313)297-8404
Edison Branch 18400 Joy Rd. (313)852-4515
Redford Branch 21200 Grand River (313)578-8000
The Skillman Branch is open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and is located at 121 Gratiot, (313)628-2750.
The Main Library located at 5201 Woodward, is open Tuesday and Wednesday from noon-8pm. Then on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm.
Lately, we've been having temperatures above 90 degrees, putting the elderly and very young at risk to heat and heat-related illnesses. Headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy to no sweating, confusion, and pale or flushed skin are all signs of heat-related illnesses.
