Queen Creek residents cautioned during excessive heat

Queen Creek residents are being asked to take precautions as the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch for the area this week.

Temperatures Wednesday are forecast to top out at 110 degrees, Thursday will see a high of 115 and Friday will reach 114, according to the National Weather Service.

The Queen Creek Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, has been designated as the town’s cooling station. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

Parents can take their kids to cool off at the town’s splash pads at Founders’ Park, 22407 S. Ellsworth Road, and Mansel Carter Oasis Park, 19535 E. Appleby Road.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has the following tips to prevent heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of fluids; don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
• Avoid liquids that cause you to lose more body fluids, such as alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Stay indoors if at all possible.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• If you must be outdoors, rest often in a shady area.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

For more tips on protecting children and animals from the heat, as well as what to look for regarding heat-related illnesses, visit www.QueenCreekAZ.gov/SafetyTips .