NEWS FROM O’FALLON CITY HALL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cooling Station Open at Public Safety Building
O’Fallon, Illinois – August 6, 2007 – Due to high temperatures and extreme heat indexes predicted for the week of August 6, 2007, the City of O’Fallon has officially opened a Cooling Station in the Community Room at the Public Safety Building. Hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Residents without air conditioning in their homes are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to come by the Public Safety Building and cool their body temperatures. According to the American Red Cross, the body cools itself by letting heat escape through the skin and by evaporating perspiration. If the body is unable to cool itself properly, a person may suffer a heat-related illness. Anyone can be susceptible, but the very young and the very old are at the highest risk. Heat-related illnesses can become serious or even fatal if unattended.
You can avoid heat-related illnesses by practicing the following safety tips:
· Dress for the heat – Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
· Drink water – Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
· Eat small meals and eat more often – Avoid foods that are high in protein which increases metabolic heat.
· Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
· Slow down – Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning from 4 – 7 a.m.
· Stay indoors when possible – If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
· Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.
For more information about the cooling station, please call the O’Fallon Police Department at 624-4545.
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Additional Information Contact:
Pamala L. Funk
Asst. City Administrator
624-4500, extension 9-1112
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