City of Columbia - Columbia Boone County Health Department Booune County Missouri

1005 W. Worley St.
Columbia, MO 65203

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2018

CONTACT: Eric Stann
Community Relations Specialist
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department
573.874.7632
[email protected]

Staying safe in the summer heat

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

In these early days of summer, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services Department (PHHS) urges everyone to stay safe in the summer heat.

Heat can take its toll on a person's health, especially the very young, the elderly and the chronically ill, because they are more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. These individuals perspire less and are more likely to take medications that can impair the body's response to heat and make them more sensitive. When temperatures rise, check on elderly family members or neighbors regularly.

Heat-related illness occurs when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but when the humidity is high sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Very high body temperatures may damage vital organs and spur heat-related illness, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes.

Signs of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; and fainting or passing out. If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion it is recommended they move to a cool place, loosen clothing and sip water. If the person begins throwing up, their symptoms get worse or if their symptoms last longer than an hour, they should seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of heat stroke may include high body temperature (103 degrees or higher); hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea, confusion; and losing consciousness or passing out. If someone feels they are experiencing heat stroke or sees that someone else is showing signs of heat stroke, they should call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler place, help lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath until medical personnel arrive and do not give the person anything to drink.

There are steps everyone can take to prevent heat related illnesses, including:

  • Dress for the heat and use a hat or umbrella to block the sun.
  • Drink water and avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often.
  • Stay indoors with air conditioning when possible.
  • Take regular breaks during physical activity.

Never leave children or household pets unattended in hot environments without air conditioning, including unsupervised vehicles, and watch for signs and symptoms of dehydration. When the outside temperature is 70 degrees or higher, the interior of a parked vehicle can heat up in as little as 10 minutes to potentially deadly temperatures.  

Warm weather can pose other health risks for pets, too. Have access to plenty of fresh water and shade when pet is outside, and consider walking pets in the morning or evening hours. Also, hot surfaces, such as asphalt, can burn a pet's paws.

Additionally, PHHS coordinates a network of cooling centers in the community. Residents are reminded of several locations in Columbia that are available to those who need shelter from the heat.

Cooling Centers are available to the general public during the building's normal business hours. The public is allowed access to public areas, such as lobbies, restrooms, drinking fountains, etc. These cooling centers include:

  • Activity & Recreation Center (ARC) at 1701 W. Ash St. - 573-874-7700
  • Armory Sports and Community Center at 701 E. Ash St. - 573-817-5077
  • Boone County Government Center at 801 E. Walnut St. - 573-886-4305
  • Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department at 1005 W. Worley St. - 573-874-7355
  • Columbia Mall at 2300 Bernadette Drive - 573-445-8458
  • Columbia Public Library at 100 W. Broadway - 573-443-3161
  • Salvation Army at 1108 W. Ash St. - 573-442-3229
  • Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 N. Ann St. - 573-442-1984     

Official Shelters provide sleeping accommodations. These locations may or may not include meals. Columbia's official shelters include:

  • New Life Evangelistic Center (for men) at 901 Wilkes Blvd. - 573-875-0603
  • Rainbow House (for children/youth) at 1611 Towne Drive - 573-474-3558
  • Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 N. Ann St. - 573-442-1984
  • St. Francis House (for men) at 901 Range Line St. - 573-875-4913
  • True North (for victims of domestic violence) - 573-875-1370
  • Welcome Home (for veterans) at 1206 Range Line St. - 573-443-8001

For more information, please visit the City of Columbia website at CoMo.gov/Health.



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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