Knox County opening cooling centers

More hot weather is coming, but there’s relief for Knox County residents without air conditioning.

The Knox County Emergency Management Agency (KCEMA) says temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s with humidity over 60% over the next several days. The high heat and humidity levels can be dangerous for anyone who spends too much time outdoors. The elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Outdoor pets should have plenty of water and shade from the hot sun.

Several temporary cooling centers have been set up and are open from Saturday, July 13 through Monday, July 15:

GALESBURG:

• YMCA Lobby – 1324 W Carl Sandburg Drive, Saturday – 6 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Knox County Housing Authority Shelter – 525/527 Iowa Court, daily, 6 p.m. – 7 a.m.
• Galesburg Public Library – 264 W Main Street, Saturday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

EAST GALESBURG:

• East Galesburg Fire Station – 411 S State Street, 24 hours through Monday

ONEIDA:

• Oneida Fire Station – 210 N Sage Street, 24 hours through Monday

WATAGA:

• Wataga Fire Station – 310 W Willard Street, 24 hours through Monday

The list will be updated if more cooling centers are added on the KCEMA Facebook page.

Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and death if left unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include:

• nausea,
• dizziness,
• flushed or pale skin,
• heavy sweating,
• headaches.

Anyone with heat-related illnesses should be moved to a cool place immediately and given cool water to drink. Ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin to reduce the temperature. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The agency offers these tips for staying cool:

• Review heat safety precautions with family members. Have a backup plan if the power goes out.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Dark colors absorb the sun’s rays. Wear hats or use an umbrella when in the sun.
• Keep water or juice with you and drink continuously, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Strenuous activity should be done during the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m., and take frequent breaks.
• If there’s no air-conditioning, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.

Click here for information on heat related illnesses from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

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