Heat Alert: Local Cooling Centers for the Elderly, Younger Families Try Local Rec Centers

Fulton County’s Housing and Human Services Department, Office of Aging has opened cooling centers today and this weekend to assist older citizens who may or may not have air condition in their homes.  The temperatures are expected to be well over 100 degrees, and it is imperative that seniors stay cool.

If you have a very young family with infants or toddlers, the heat can be very detrimental to you as well.  Check out the local indoor pool and game rooms at or at the .  You can even go to the new splash pad at if the kids want to play in the water.

For a listing of Senior Multipurpose Facilities and Neighborhood Senior Centers, residents can call the Fulton County STARline at 404-613-6000 or they may visit http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/divisions-and-programs/office-of-aging.

LOCATIONS IN OUR AREA:

(404) 699-8580

Be Red Cross Ready:  Heat Wave Safety Checklist: 

Signs of Heat Exhaustion and what to do to Help:

        Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs orabdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

·        Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion

·        Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition.

-       If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1or the local emergency number. Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

·        Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin, which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

·        Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.  Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, and neck and armpits.

To see additional guidelines in the publication, “Be Red Cross Ready:  Heat Wave Safety Checklist, visit Red Cross.Org.