The Knox County Health Department, Knox County Emergency Management Agency, and American Red Cross will be monitoring local conditions to see if the need arises for a formal cooling center to be opened in Knox County over the next several days. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat watches with temperatures in the upper 90’s starting on Thursday and running through the weekend. When combined with dew points into the 70s, this will likely produce heat indices over 100 degrees – a combination of heat and humidity that could be dangerous for those spending too much time outdoors.
“We will have the regular places available, but likely not open a formal cooling center unless there is a significant power outage or other event,” states Knox County EMA Coordinator Tom Simkins. “Our rural populations are tremendous at caring for friends and families in need and we ask that residents pay particular attention to those without air conditioning.”
At risk populations include the elderly and the very young who are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Additionally, pets should have plenty of water and shade to get out of the hot sun.
Residents and visitors can use the State of Illinois cooling center at the Department of Human Services at 477 East Main Street in Galesburg between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.. The Galesburg Public Library, located at 40 East Simmons Street, is available Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The lobby of the Public Safety Building at 150 South Broad Street in Galesburg is also available. Should the need for a 24-hour cooling center arise, the Red Cross will be contacted immediately.
Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
Some common sense approaches to staying cool include:
- Prepare. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for what to do if the power goes out.
- Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella when in the sun.
- Stay hydrated. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m. Take frequent breaks.
- Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
***Report Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
