City of Detroit cooling centers open during extreme summer heat

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City of Detroit cooling centers open during extreme summer heat

Tips for preventing heat-related illness

Stay indoors if possible. Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, go to a public place that does, including the City of Detroit cooling centers. If outside, stay in the shade.

Drink water. Even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

Wear light-colored clothing. (Avoid wearing black clothes, especially if you're in direct sunlight.) Loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Never leave a person, especially children or the elderly, or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle. The temperature inside the car can become 30 to 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.

Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks.

Visit at-risk people twice a day and watch them for signs of heat illness.

Speak with your doctor about any medications you are taking to learn whether they may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

For more information about the cooling centers, contact the Detroit Health Department at (313) 876-4000.

• 6 Centers will open July 20 from noon – 8 p.m. to provide air-conditioned comfort and protection from the heat

• Cooling Centers will be available during normal weekday hours
With temperatures expected to be over 90 degrees this weekend, the City of Detroit is opening its recreation centers to provide air-conditioned comfort and protection from the heat.

DETROIT - The City will open five recreation centers and Northwest Activities Center on Saturday, July 20 from noon – 8 p.m. The centers are:

• Adams Butzel Recreation Center, 10500 Lyndon
• Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Crusade
• Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere Street
• Williams Recreation Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Boulevard
• Young Recreation Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Drive
• Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road

All City recreation centers will be open during normal hours on Friday, July 19, when temperatures also are expected to reach 90 degrees. A complete list with hours can be found here.
In addition, DTE has donated 15,000 bottles of water that are being distributed to each of the cooling centers.

Protecting Residents
The Mayor's Office and Detroit Police Department will be working with homelessness service providers to check on homeless individuals and transport them to cooling locations if they wish. DPD officers also will do wellness checks on homebound seniors they are aware of.

Detroit Area Agency on Aging also has emergency procedures in place to assist older adults and provide food and water during this time.

Tips to Stay Healthy During Extreme Heat

During periods of extreme heat, the Detroit Health Department recommends that residents:

• Drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

• Reduce outdoor activities and stay inside in air-conditioned locations.

• Never leave children, seniors, or pets alone in closed vehicles—even for short periods of time. The temperature inside the car can become 30–40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.

• Check on family and neighbors who are older, sick, or with special needs that may need help responding to the heat.

• Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include: confusion; hot, dry, flushed skin; cool and clammy skin; lightheadedness; headache; dizziness; and nausea. Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

• Choose loose fitting, lightweight clothing, and opt for light-colored fabric, as it reflects heat. Avoid wearing black clothes, especially if you’re in direct sunlight. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

• If you must work outside, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.

• PETS: To avoid heat-related illnesses in your pet, make sure they have protection from the sun and cool drinking water. Avoid leaving them outside during excessively hot and humid days, and monitor them regularly.

For more information, please contact the Detroit Health Department at (313) 876-4000.

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